NHL General Manager Searches Intensify for Maple Leafs, Predators, and Devils

The hunt for new general managers is in full swing for three NHL franchises: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils. Reports indicate that all three teams are actively conducting interviews and exploring various candidates to fill their top hockey operations roles.

In Toronto, the Maple Leafs are reportedly planning a series of interviews in the coming week. This is not expected to be a swift process, as the team aims to speak with a wide range of individuals and gather diverse perspectives on the future direction of the franchise. While the initial goal is to find a single general manager, there's a possibility this could evolve. The Maple Leafs have also reportedly sought permission to speak with multiple individuals from the Florida Panthers' front office, suggesting a broad recruitment strategy.

The Nashville Predators are also actively searching, with a preference for candidates who have recent general manager or assistant general manager experience. A notable name linked to the Predators is Tom Fitzgerald, the former New Jersey Devils general manager and the inaugural captain of the Predators. Fitzgerald has either already conducted or is scheduled for an in-person interview with the team.

Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils are expected to begin their interviews in earnest this week. The team's internal discussions are reportedly ongoing regarding whether they will be hiring a single general manager or a two-person leadership structure.

Among the candidates being considered across these searches is Sunny Mehta, the assistant general manager of the Florida Panthers, who has reportedly received interest from both the Maple Leafs and the Devils. Brett Peterson, another assistant general manager with the Panthers, and special advisor to the general manager, Roberto Luongo, have also been mentioned as potential targets for Toronto.

For the Nashville Predators, it appears they have already interviewed Boston Bruins assistant general manager Jamie Langenbrunner, as well as Brett Peterson and other individuals. With Tom Fitzgerald's recent departure from the Devils, speculation suggests he might be a strong contender, if not the preferred choice, for the Predators' GM position, despite questions about the prudence of sentimental hiring decisions.

The New Jersey Devils are anticipated to conduct a thorough search, with a list of potential interviewees that includes Langenbrunner, Mehta, Tyler Dellow, Ryan Martin, and Ross Mahoney, among others. There is still a prevailing belief that Brendan Shanahan will be appointed President of Hockey Operations, with a general manager hired thereafter.

English Translation:

The general manager searches continue in three markets.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman discussed the ongoing general manager searches for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils on Hockey Night in Canada. Friedman indicated that the Maple Leafs anticipate a series of interviews next week and do not expect a quick resolution, aiming to gather input from as many people as possible. The initial plan is to hire one person, but the team may seek permission to interview multiple individuals from the Florida Panthers' front office.

In Nashville, the Predators are reportedly prioritizing candidates with recent GM or AGM experience. Tom Fitzgerald, the former Devils GM and the Predators' first captain, is a candidate and is either being interviewed or will be soon.

The New Jersey Devils are set to begin their interviews this week, with uncertainty still surrounding whether they will hire one or two individuals for their hockey operations leadership.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have both reportedly received permission to speak with Florida Panthers assistant general manager Sunny Mehta. There is also speculation that the Maple Leafs may inquire about assistant general manager Brett Peterson and special advisor to the general manager, Roberto Luongo.

Regarding the Nashville Predators, it is understood they have interviewed Boston Bruins assistant general manager Jamie Langenbrunner, as well as Peterson and others. With Fitzgerald parting ways with the Devils, there is a chance Nashville may pursue him, potentially indicating he was their initial target.

The prevailing notion is that Fitzgerald would be the next hire for the Predators once he was let go by the Devils. The article questions whether this makes good business sense and if sentimental choices are optimal for organizational success.

For the Devils, an in-depth search is expected. Langenbrunner, Mehta, Tyler Dellow, Ryan Martin, Ross Mahoney, and others are potential interviewees. It is still believed that Brendan Shanahan will be the President of Hockey Operations, and a general manager will be hired under him.