James Nichols
The search for the next general manager of the New Jersey Devils is firmly underway.
Devils ownership and their search committe have begun to interview candidates as soon as this week for the vacant GM job left by Tom Fitzgerald in what was described as a “mutual breakup.”
The Devils job should be a desired one. Jack Hughes is the obvious draw. However, Fitzgerald leaves behind a very capable roster. One that with the right tweaks can compete as soon as next season.
We’ve heard the chatter about who might be involved as a candidate in the last week.
On a recent episode of 32 Thoughts the Podcast, Elliotte Friedman named several potential candidates:
- Sunny Mehta – Florida Panthers Assistant GM
- Jamie Langenbrunner – Boston Bruins Assistant GM
- John Chayka – Former Arizona Coyotes GM
- Tyler Dellow – Carolina Hurricanes Assistant GM
Friedman also mentioned Brendan Shanahan, and speculated if he would “be involved in this search.” However, the belief is he would assume a President of Hockey Operations role if he’s, in fact, hired, as opposed to working as a GM.
Yet, Emily Kaplan revealed recently that although the interest is there between the Devils and Shanahan, the former Toronto Maple Leafs President may have priced himself out of contention.
“It sounds like Brendan Shanahan,” Kaplan said on a recent episode of Morning Cuppa Hockey. “Everyone was trying to make that the narrative. And I definitely think there was some interest there. The only thing I was told last week is like, it is far from a done deal. I just think that maybe they were far apart. Perhaps it was money. But I heard, I heard he wanted, Shanahan wanted like absurd money. And they were like, yeah, we don’t do that around here.”
Most of the oxygen around the GM position in New Jersey is being taken up by Mehta. He’s the clear favorite in terms of fan demand, but he very well may be the favorite in the eyes of Devils ownership as well.
Mehta—a former Devils employee who essentially created New Jersey’s analytics department—is confirmed to be speaking with the Devils as soon as this week. He’s also in the mix for the job in Toronto.
Aside from Mehta, Chayka is another candidate that shouldn’t be slept on.
“The other guy that the Devils know well is John Chayka. And they were going to hire him [in 2020]. They wanted to hire him to run their teams. Remember, when he was in Arizona, they asked for permission to talk to him. They wanted to hire him. Arizona did not grant permission. At the time, then, Chayka was suspended for, because the Coyotes tested prospects, draft prospects, outside of the allowed windows. He served that suspension. He’s been reinstated. And they know him.”
And if Martin Brodeur has significant say—which he most certainly does—than Langenbrunner will almost certainly get an interview.
“I’ve had a few people reach out to me about Langenbruner,” said Friedman. “When we talk about guys who grind and guys who do the work, he has that reputation. He’s a guy who grinds and a guy who’s done the work.
He works for Boston right now. I believe he interviewed in Nashville. He got an interview there.
You know, Martin Brodeur, who I believe is the acting GM there in New Jersey, he has a big history with Langenbruner. And I think if he had any say, he would push for Langenbruner.”
As of now, it seems like the Devils are looking to hire for one position as opposed to hiring a President as well. Mehta, Chayka, and Langenbrunner appear to be the leading candidates for now, while Dellow and Shanahan sit on the outskirts.
We’ll see what comes about in the coming days or weeks.
