4. Bottom Six Contracts
The top six of the New Jersey Devils is pretty set in stone. Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jesper Bratt are all signed for three more years minimum (and seven years for Bratt and Meier). The bottom six has Erik Haula and Ondrej Palat, who both often jump into the top six, and then it’s a lot of question marks.
Nathan Bastian is under contract, but he’s had serious issues staying healthy and staying consistent. Curtis Lazar has been a revelation after the Devils got him on a solid contract. He’s been everything they’ve hoped for. Someone who hasn’t been like that is Alex Holtz, who is struggling with everything in his game. However, he could make a move towards production (or the Devils could trade him).
Then, there are the interesting contracts. Nolan Foote was supposed to be a major part of the bottom six this season, but an injury held him to just four games. He needs a new contract this season, but his restricted free agent status has us believing he’ll be back. Some other young players like Brian Halonen and Graeme Clarke were given a cup of coffee in the league and could fight for a bottom-six spot.
The Devils signed veterans Tomas Nosek and Chris Tierney last offseason, but both were pushed into bigger roles than they should have been and both failed. The Devils did re-sign Max Willman and Shane Bowers recently, so that adds a little depth. We expect more signings from outside the locker room.