Restricted Free Agent Jesper Bratt and the New Jersey Devils have finally come to an agreement on a new two year contract worth 2.75 million dollars per season. Bratt was the Devils final RFA that they had to sign this offseason. New Jersey begins their season on Thursday night as they host the Boston Bruins for their home opener. Bratt will be unavailable to play due to getting his visa in order as well as a mandatory quarantine once he arrives back in the Garden State. However, it potentially looks like he could make his season debut for the Devils on January 19th versus the New York Rangers. Here is the announcement from the New Jersey Devils:
New Jersey Devils Announcement
My Take:
Obviously, the Devils need Jesper Bratt in the lineup. Bratt emerged last year as a top six forward posted a career high last season in goals lighting the lamp sixteen times and leading the Devils in even strength goals with fifteen (once on the power play). Bratt has shown he has the ability and skill to play on the top two lines centered by Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. The contract is not high at all and gives Bratt the incentive to keep improving. I’m not sure why this process took as long as it did. It would’ve been nice if this contract had gotten settled earlier so he could be in training camp on time to start learning and getting used to new head coach Lindy Ruff’s system. I guess it’s better late then never.
