Jesper Bratt's Extension Marks The Start Of An Important Offseason For The Devils
Image From NHL.com
Yesterday, the New Jersey Devils extended forward Jesper Bratt to an eight-year, $63 million contract extension. Bratt has been one of New Jersey's biggest core pieces to the offense as he just came off his second straight 73-point season. Rumors circled that if Bratt could not come to terms on a new contract soon, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald would have put him on the market. However, they reached a deal, and both Bratt and Fitzgerald spoke at a press conference today, where Bratt showed appreciation for the Devils organization and Fitzgerald praised Bratt's talent on the ice.
With Bratt off the board, the Devils have one more key piece to lock up long-term; their prized trade deadline acquisition Timo Meier. Meier is another restricted free agent and expressed interest in staying with the Devils long-term. Reportedly Meier and the Devils filed for arbitration to extend their deadline to work out a new deal. Meier had a solid start with the Devils, putting up 14 points in 21 games in the regular season and adding four more points in the postseason. The Devils have room for Meier as they have about $26 million in cap space remaining and have locked up most of their young talent. Jack Hughes is signed until 2030, Nico Hischier is signed until 2027, and the defensive core of Hamilton, Marino, and Siegenthaler is signed for the next four to five years.
The Devils also have other restricted free agents that need new deals including Michael McLeod, Nathan Bastian, Yegor Sharangovich, Jepser Boqvist, Kevin Bahl, and Mackenzie Blackwood. As for unrestricted free agents, the Devils have five, Erik Haula, Tomas Tatar, Ryan Graves, Miles Wood, and Jonathan Bernier. The Devils have already moved on from a long-time defenseman this offseason with last week’s Damon Severson sign and trade to Columbus.
Outside of free agency, the Devils might look at trade opportunities for players frustrated with their current teams, like Alex DeBrincat in Ottawa or Connor Hellebuyck in Winnipeg. This past year for New Jersey was the most successful in a very long time, and it seems like their championship window is just opening. Therefore, it is very important for the Devils to build on this momentum with a successful and productive offseason.
