Another day and another topic of NHL rumours. There is plenty of buzz going around the league. The spotlight is shining brightly on the Arizona Coyotes and their future. But there is also buzz surrounding players and sticking with their current teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs have a pair of players that want to stay. In addition, so does the New Jersey Devils. Today we discuss a Jesper Bratt contract to stay in the Garden State.
Jesper Bratt Confident In Getting A Deal Done
Rumour: Jamie Nichols from the Fourth Period discusses a Jesper Bratt contract
What a magnificent season for the New Jersey Devils. The franchise set a record for most wins in a single season (52) and points (112). There were other accolades such as the infamous 13-game win streak and being the road warriors. Despite a second-round exit, this was a winning season for the team. New Jersey took the necessary steps and the window has just cracked open in their contention. Turning the page to the offseason is what Tom Fitzgerald is doing. He has already announced that Lindy Ruff will return, but now the focus is on his key free agents.
A Jesper Bratt contract is in need. Superstar centre Jack Hughes had a few things to say on the matter. He went on to say, “It’s not up to me, but I think I know they want to come back. At the same time, you gotta get it done, too. You can’t just talk about wanting to be in New Jersey, if you want to be in New Jersey you got to just sign the deal you know? So those guys are obviously big parts of our team and we’d like to have them back.” Hughes signed his deal prior to the 2022-23 campaign as his entry-level contract was coming to an end.
What A Potential Deal Looks Like
According to Nichols, Fitzgerald and Bratt’s agent have been negotiating since November. They did stop talks prior to the playoffs to avoid any distraction and rightfully so. However, gear up Devils fans another summer of this is underway. Last offseason it came down to the wire getting a deal done with Bratt. Eventually, he signed a one-year deal with an AAV of $5.45 million. Bratt has now proven that he is worth the long-term deal. New Jersey will have around $35 million in cap space to work with.
After consistently being a 30+ point player his first few seasons, Bratt turned it up a notch. Last year was a career year where he went on to have 73 points. That was no fluke either, as followed that up with the same amount of points. He is an established part of this core group that features Hughes, Nico Hischier, Dougie Hamilton, Dawson Mercer, and Timo Meier (also needs a new deal). At least Bratt is optimistic. Bratt went on to say, “We’ll get it done. I’ll see you guys for the next couple of years to come.” My guess would be that he signs an eight year $64 million dollar deal to remain in New Jersey. Hughes is not the benchmark, but it’s in the same ballpark. Guys like Hughes and Tim Stutzle signed their deals before having 90+ point seasons.
This is only the beginning for Devils hockey and they will be back.
Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
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