The New Jersey Devils are currently weighing their options regarding their front office leadership, unsure whether they will appoint a single General Manager or hire for two distinct roles: a GM and a President of Hockey Operations. This decision hinges on their willingness to invest in two high-level positions.
According to Emily Kaplan, the Devils are beginning their GM candidate interviews this week. The internal search committee, which includes Bob Myers (former Warriors GM and now part of the ownership group), is reportedly considering various candidates.
There was initial speculation about Brendan Shanahan, with reports indicating some interest. However, it’s understood that negotiations were far from finalized, potentially due to significant differences, possibly financial. While the ownership group appears ready to spend, it must be justified by the decision-making. Hiring Shanahan would likely necessitate the addition of a separate GM, as the team is expected to look externally for this position, having not appointed an interim GM. This would mean two significant hires and substantial financial commitments.
Names like Sunny Mehta, who has prior ties to the organization, and John Chayka, who is believed to have connections with the current ownership and was previously considered, are being mentioned.
Should the Devils opt for either Mehta or Chayka as GM, there’s a belief they would also want a President of Hockey Operations. This executive would be crucial in managing relationships with key stakeholders like the Hughes family, ensuring Jack Hughes’s satisfaction and guidance, and serving as a public-facing figure for the fanbase, handling responsibilities beyond the day-to-day operations.
The team’s approach to structuring these roles remains unclear. They are reportedly not fixed on a specific model, and the dual responsibilities previously held by Tom Fitzgerald add another layer of complexity. It will be intriguing to see the final decision on who they ultimately bring on board.
