Over the past couple years, Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has made a concerted effort to lock up New Jersey's young core for years to come.
First, the Devils signed team captain Nico Hischier to a seven-year, $50.75-million extension back in October 2019 that will carry through the 2026-27 season.
Next, last month, New Jersey announced an eight-year, $64-million extension for Jack Hughes that will take him through the 2029-30 season.
However, the Devils' leading scorer this season is 23-year-old Jesper Bratt, who with 24 points through the Devils’ first 29 games, is on pace for 68 points through a full 82-game season. Bratt is currently in the final year of his contract, which currently carries a value of $2.75 million per season.
Speaking on The Daily Faceoff Show on Tuesday, Daily Faceoff’s Mike McKenna said that Bratt has played his way into a large pay day.
McKenna: “This guy, sixth-round pick in 2016. It’s his fifth season in the NHL, but he’s only 23 years old. He’s leading the Devils in scoring by a decent margin, 24 points in 29 games. But when I watch Bratt, I think it’s been a slow burn for him building to this point. He had kind of been a half a point [per game] guy. You’d see flashes here and there. I think that Jesper Bratt playing alongside Dawson Mercer, the superb rookies that the Devils have, has really ignited Bratt’s game.
“They’ve been a dynamic duo. Their high-danger scoring chances are almost double what they are when those two are separate. When they’re together, they double their chances.
“Bratt, to me, is a master of deception with the puck. ... This guy’s going to get paid.”
Frank Seravalli agreed with McKenna’s sentiment.
Seravalli: “Yeah, I have no doubt about that. I can tell you when Jack Hughes signed his extension — I know Bratt hasn’t been talked about in the same circles — but he’s been darn productive and he’s got to live that signing — if Jakes Hughes is worth “this,” well what am I worth then?”
You can watch the full episode here…
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