James Nichols
Sunny Mehta poached his former club—the Florida Panthers—when making his first hire within the New Jersey Devils.
Mehta’s adding significant experience and championship pedigree to his hockey operations department, announcing the hiring of Braden Birch as assistant general manager.
Birch, the Panthers’ former Director of Hockey Operations and Salary Cap Management, served in Florida since the 2016-17 season, where he was a key member of the front office that delivered back-to-back Stanley Cup titles in 2024 and 2025.
Birch also worked as a special assistant to Bill Zito.
The move positions Birch to play a central role in both the NHL club and its AHL affiliate. In his new position, Birch will serve as general manager of the Utica Comets while supporting Mehta and the broader front office on key strategic areas, including player scouting, contract negotiations, roster construction, and salary cap planning.
This multifaceted role gives the Devils a battle-tested executive who clearly previously displayed understandsing of every layer of building a winner.
“Braden will be an extremely valuable addition to our senior hockey operations group,” Mehta said. “His blend of on-ice experience, management background, and intellect will serve him well in his new role. Braden will work to bolster all areas of our operation, and I look forward to him joining our existing front office, where his personality and work ethic will fit in excellently.”
Birch expressed excitement about the opportunity: “I am really excited to take this next step in my professional career. I want to thank Bill Zito, the Viola family, and the entire Florida Panthers organization for 12 amazing years, and the ability to help a front office achieve the ultimate goal of Stanley Cup Championships. I also greatly appreciate them giving me the opportunity to grow my professional career in New Jersey. I look forward to working with Sunny and his group on returning the Devils to the levels of success that we believe they can achieve.”
Birch is a former sixth round draft pick by the Chicago Blackhawks (179th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft.
A left-shot defenseman, he played collegiately at Cornell University in the ECAC from 2009-10 through 2012-13. In 128 career games with the Big Red, he recorded 21 points (5 goals, 16 assists) and 92 penalty minutes while serving as tri-captain in his senior season.
Professionally, Birch suited up in the ECHL with affiliates of both Florida and Colorado, and spent time in Finland’s Liiga with HIFK, where he wore an assistant captain’s letter. Before turning pro, he developed through strong junior programs with Oakville (OJHL/OPJHL), Nanaimo (BCHL), and Stoney Creek (GHL).
Off the ice, Birch earned a master’s degree in Sports Management from Florida Atlantic University, further equipping him for a long-term career in hockey leadership.
