Devils Hire Jessica Campbell and Bryan McCabe to Development Staff
Published · Updated
Cited: ESPN, NHL.com, Sportsnet.ca
TL;DR
The New Jersey Devils are bolstering their player development pipeline with two high-profile hires: Jessica Campbell, the first woman to serve as a full-time NHL assistant coach, and Bryan McCabe, a veteran of 14 seasons in Florida's front office. Announced on September 16, 2026, these additions signal a strategic focus on prospect growth as the Devils aim to build a sustainable contender.
Why now
The New Jersey Devils are bolstering their player development pipeline with two high-profile hires: Jessica Campbell, the first woman to serve as a full-time NHL assistant coach, and Bryan McCabe, a veteran of 14 seasons in Florida's front office. Announced on September 16, 2026, these additions signal a strategic focus on prospect growth as the Devils aim to build a sustainable contender.
Agree / conflict
- Jessica Campbell joins as Manager of Player Development after two seasons as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken, where she made history as the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history. - Bryan McCabe takes on the role of Vice President, Prospect Personnel, and Assistant GM for the AHL's Utica Comets, bringing 14 years of player development experience from the Florida Panthers. - Why this matters: These hires complete the Devils' development staff, which will report to Assistant GM Braden Birch and work alongside existing coaches Eric Weinrich and Mark Voakes. - Historical context: Campbell previously helped the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds reach back-to-back Calder Cup Finals, while McCabe was part of Florida's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.
Takeaway
For Devils fans, these hires signal a commitment to developing homegrown talent, which could lead to a stronger roster in the coming years. For hockey enthusiasts, Campbell's continued rise and McCabe's front-office expertise highlight how teams are valuing diverse backgrounds in player development. Key actions: Follow the Devils' AHL affiliate in Utica to see how these changes impact prospect performance, and watch for future call-ups that may reflect the new development approach.
- Jessica Campbell joins as Manager of Player Development after two seasons as an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken, where she made history as the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history. - Bryan McCabe takes on the role of Vice President, Prospect Personnel, and Assistant GM for the AHL's Utica Comets, bringing 14 years of player development experience from the Florida Panthers. - Why this matters: These hires complete the Devils' development staff, which will report to Assistant GM Braden Birch and work alongside existing coaches Eric Weinrich and Mark Voakes. - Historical context: Campbell previously helped the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds reach back-to-back Calder Cup Finals, while McCabe was part of Florida's back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and 2025.
The Devils' front office, led by General Manager Sunny Mehta, continues to reshape its development infrastructure. Campbell, 34, stepped down from her Seattle role on April 30, 2026, after two seasons behind the bench. Her coaching journey includes stints with Germany's Nürnberg Ice Tigers and the German national team at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. As a player, she starred at Cornell University from 2010 to 2014.
McCabe, 51, spent 14 seasons with the Panthers in various player development roles after a 15-year NHL playing career that included 1,135 games and a captaincy in Florida. He was part of a front office that guided the Panthers to three consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances and two titles. McCabe also won gold medals at the World Junior Championships and the 1997 IIHF World Championship, and represented Canada at the 2006 Olympics.
These appointments reflect a broader trend in the NHL of prioritizing development staff with diverse backgrounds—both on-ice experience and innovative coaching. For the Devils, the focus is on maximizing the potential of their prospect pool, which includes recent draft picks and AHL talent in Utica.
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FAQ
What role will Jessica Campbell have with the Devils?
Jessica Campbell will serve as Manager of Player Development, overseeing prospect development and serving as a resource for the AHL's Utica Comets.
What experience does Bryan McCabe bring to New Jersey?
McCabe brings 14 years of player development experience with the Florida Panthers, where he helped the team win back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.
Why are these hires significant for the Devils?
They complete the club's development staff, adding proven leadership and diverse expertise to guide young players, which is critical for long-term team success.
When did Campbell make NHL history?
Campbell became the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history when she was hired by the Seattle Kraken in July 2022.
Sources
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