Contract Carousel: Does Dainius Zubrus, Other Centerman Have A Future on the Devils

Feb 16, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; New Jersey Devils center Jacob Josefson (16) controls the puck against the New York Islanders during the first period of an NHL game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Name – Jacob Josefson

Height – 6 ft 1 in

Weight – 190 lbs

Shoots – Left

Former Team – Djurgardens IF (SEL)

NHL Draft – 20th Overall, 2009 – New Jersey Devils

Playing Career – 2007 – Present

Awards and Honors – Silver in the 2009 World Junior Championships, Bronze in 2010. Bronze in the 2008 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament (U-18 Junior World Cup).

2012-2013 Stats – Albany Devils (AHL) – 38 GP, 10 G, 15 A, 25 Pts, 29 PIM. New Jersey Devils (NHL) – 22 GP, 1 G, 2 A, 3 Pts, 2 PIM.

2012-2013 Cap Hit – $900,000

How He Was Acquired – Drafted in 2009 by the Devils and Signed in May of 2010 from Sweden.

Free Agent Status – RFA, Qualifying Offer of about $850,500 (CapGeek)

Jacob Josefson did not impress during his NHL playing time this past season, tallying only 3 points in 22 games. In Albany, however, he managed to tally 25 points in 38 games. Josefson has been known to be injury prone in his career as he has suffered multiple injuries that have cost him some valuable time on the ice. In 62 total Junior International Games he has totaled 53 points and was an integral part to Sweden Jr’s team.

Josefson is a restricted free agent this year and if a deal can’t be made, at least the qualifying offer shouldn’t be a problem for the Devils’ Front Office. He is still very young and has shown that he has plenty of potential. At 22, he will definitely be a great long-term investment.