UTICA, NY (WUTR/WFXV/WPNY) — The New Jersey Devils announced on Monday that a new General Manager will take the reins of the Utica Comets next season.
Devils General Manager Sunny Mehta announced on Monday, May 11 that Braden Burch will be the new assistant general manager of the Devils, meaning he will serve as the newest general manager of the Utica Comets. Birch won two Stanley Cups with the Florida Panthers, a club where he has served since 2014. He will replace departing Comets general manager Dan MacKinnon.
“I am really excited to take this next step in my professional career,” Birch said in a statement on the Devils’ website. “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 was drafted in the sixth round in the 2008 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks out of Cornell, where he was named a tri-captain in his senior season. Birch spent time in the Liiga in Finland and the ECHL’s Florida Everblades and Colorado Eagles (now a member of the AHL), among other teams.
After his time playing hockey, Birch worked with Mehta in the Panthers’ front office, where the pair helped the team make the playoffs for six straight years, between 2019 and 2025.
The Devils say that Birch will be aiding Mehta in scouting and contract management, as well as roster and cap strategy.
“Braden will be an extremely valuable addition to our senior hockey operations group,” Mehta said in a statement. “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.”
The Comets came one point short of the Calder Cup Playoffs this season, finishing with a record of 30-31-6-5 and 71 points. The team finished off the season 7-1-1-1 in their last ten games, including five of their last six.
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