Former Panthers Captain Bryan McCabe Lands With Devils Front Office
FORT LAUDERDALE — Bryan McCabe’s time in the Florida Panthers organization came to an end earlier this summer, but the former captain didn’t have to wait long to find his next opportunity.
On Wednesday, McCabe officially joined the New Jersey Devils, becoming the latest former Panthers front-office staffer to make the move to New Jersey following the 2024-25 season.
New Devils general manager Sunny Mehta previously served as one of Bill Zito’s closest advisers in Florida. After taking over in New Jersey, Mehta also brought Braden Birch with him. Birch had been one of the Panthers’ leading salary-cap managers.
McCabe will work under Birch in his new role.
“It’s really hard to replace people, but it’s a good thing where, hopefully, other folks will want to come thinking that, ‘Hey, maybe I can get a chance to grow and expand my opportunities,’” Zito said Wednesday.
“It’s part of our game, and it’s part of what we’re all about. We want everyone to be successful and happy. They move along. Players do. I did. … It’s a positive thing.”
McCabe has been hired as the Devils’ vice president of prospect personnel. He will also serve as assistant general manager of New Jersey’s AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets.
His departure marks the end of a 14-year run with the Panthers, where he held several positions focused on player development.
McCabe also enjoyed a lengthy NHL career as a defenseman, playing 15 seasons in the league. Florida acquired him from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008. Before that, he suited up for the New York Islanders, Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks.
McCabe played parts of three seasons with the Panthers and was named the team’s captain for the 2009-10 campaign.
He wrapped up his playing career with the New York Rangers in 2011. Over 1,135 NHL games, he recorded 145 goals and 528 points.
McCabe eventually returned to the Panthers organization in a front-office capacity and, in 2024, experienced one of the biggest moments of his career when Florida won its first Stanley Cup.
“To be part of it, it has obviously been a long time coming,” McCabe said shortly after the Panthers captured the championship.
“My first NHL game was 29 years [ago], so, yeah, a dream come true just to be a part of this whole thing with this group. This organization, making my home here, it has been very special.”
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