Episode Details

Zach Berman opens the episode by noting the New Jersey Devils have fired GM Tom Fitzgerald and are starting their search for a new general manager and president of hockey operations (POHO) 00:01:24. He highlights Sunny Mehta as the top GM candidate, emphasizing Mehta’s strong analytics background, prior experience with the Devils, and recent success helping build the Florida Panthers. Zach Berman discusses the excitement around Mehta but also expresses caution, given Mehta has never been an NHL GM, and suggests Devils fans shouldn’t be overly disheartened if Mehta isn’t hired 00:05:47. Beyond Mehta, Zach Berman lists other promising GM candidates, such as Tyler Dellow (Carolina), Scott White and Rich Peverley (Dallas), Brandon Pridham (Toronto), and Jason Spezza (Pittsburgh), all bringing strong analytical or developmental credentials 00:06:05–00:09:08. He warns against several options, especially internal hires like Chuck Fletcher, Dan MacKinnon, and Kate Madigan, as well as retreads like Brad Treliving, Ron Hextall, and Pete Chiarelli, arguing these would be clear steps in the wrong direction 00:10:02. For the POHO role, Zach Berman names Brendan Shanahan as his preferred candidate, praising the “Shanaplan” and arguing the Devils need “an adult in the room” 00:13:33. He is also open to Doug Armstrong (St. Louis), Mike Gillis (formerly Vancouver), or even Lou Lamoriello for their experience and toughness 00:14:28. Conversely, he strongly opposes Ron Francis and Pete Chiarelli due to their questionable track records 00:16:09–00:17:17. After discussing the potential front office overhaul, Zach Berman recaps a disappointing Devils loss to the Penguins, before shifting to injury updates. He voices cautious optimism about the team finally being proactive with player injuries, such as shutting down Luke Hughes for surgery, and hopes this practice continues under the next management 00:24:51–00:26:38. He closes with thoughts on the coaching situation, maintaining some support for Sheldon Keefe, and reiterates the importance of making the right hires for the franchise’s future 00:27:33. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.