Team: 2023-24 New Jersey Devils

Initial Creation Date: May 15, 2023

Published: May 15, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

It’s an interesting off-season for the Devils with 2 of the biggest RFAs in the league both needing a contract. Probably the trickiest part of the whole summer.. regardless I have no reason to believe they don’t get done.

Bratt: Let’s talk about Bratt, who in my opinion should and will be done before Meier. Bratt had an excellent start to the season on his way to holding the longest point streak to start a season in franchise history. Bratt solidified himself as top contributor and a core player to this devils team. However he did fizzle off. After the start he add, I’d imagine his agent was looking for something north of 8, however with his 2nd half and playoff campaign, I’d be surprised if he gets that. I think Fiala is Bratt’s best comparable here. I could see him getting the exact same deal but I think he ends up with slightly less with term.

Meier: If Meier wasn’t willing to negotiate an extension at a reasonable cap, Fitzgerald would have never made the trade to begin with. I am confident Meier signs a full extension sooner than later. However I also believe he knows a long term 10 mil deal is unrealistic.. especially with the buy in from the Devils squad. Referring to Jacks quote “just sign the deal” and Siegenthalers quote on leaving money on the table, there is a real buy in in this group and if you’re looking for maximums you probably aren’t in it to win here. Meier’s 10 mil QO can be arbitrated down 15% to 8.5, I feel his agent and Fitzgerald can agree to something just above it.

McLeod: I have been such a fan of his this year, despite his scoring touch fading into oblivion. This kid is an excellent PKer and FO specialist and these skills are important even if they don’t show up on the scoreboard. We don’t need the offense from him on a consistent bases. As long as he can continue being the role player he is and the guy the coaching staff trusts to take an important face off, there is a spot for him on this team.

Bahl: very solid year after a shaky start. I think it’s easy to peg him for a cheap bridge deal.

Bastian: Solid energy guy. PKs and is one of the top hitters on the team. Seems like a great locker room guy as well. Whether he’s your 4RW or the 13th forward he deserves to stay.

Boqvist: not really sure the plan with him. He had a pretty decent 2nd half of the year but started fading out and was clearly not trusted in the playoffs. I think he gets his QO but may end up being shipped off for a pick.

Sharangovich: another guy I don’t know where he fits. The devils will offer him his QO but I think he is a good pick to be traded. I think his value is somewhere around a late 1st, early 2nd.

Blackwood: team will see if there a market for him. Doubt he gets anything more than a 5th back.

Walsh: not sure the plan for him but I don’t think he has a shot at making the team. I’d try and trade him for a 3rd or something.

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