Report: Panthers grant Leafs, Devils permission to interview Mehta

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have received permission to interview Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta, sources told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

The Maple Leafs fired GM Brad Treliving on March 30, while the Devils parted with GM Tom Fitzgerald on Monday.

Mehta was hired by the Panthers as an analyst in 2021. He was promoted to assistant GM and director of analytics in 2023, and helped Florida make three straight finals and win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

The 47-year-old, who grew up in New Jersey, previously worked as an analyst for the Devils from 2014-18.

Mehta also has a master's degree in data science and was once a professional poker player.

After firing Treliving, MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley stated that Toronto is looking for a "data-centric" candidate to take over hockey operations.

The Nashville Predators, the NHL's third team searching for a new GM, were granted permission to speak with a different Panthers assistant GM, Brett Peterson, sources told LeBrun. Peterson has held his role since 2020, and will also serve as GM for the United States at the 2026 World Championship.