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NHL Rumors: Karlsson, Hanifin request trades, Meier back with Devils

By Marvin Azrak

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period of the game at Capital One Arena on February 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 12: Erik Karlsson #65 of the San Jose Sharks skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the second period of the game at Capital One Arena on February 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 18: Timo Meier #96 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Rangers during Game One in the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY – APRIL 18: Timo Meier #96 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the New York Rangers during Game One in the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Prudential Center on April 18, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Devils agree to $7.875 million extension with Jesper Bratt

The New Jersey Devils announced Thursday that forward Jesper Bratt has signed an eight-year, $63 million contract extension ahead of restricted free agency this summer. Yep. $63 million for NO63. The contract has an AAV of $7.875 million.

General Manager Tom Fitzgerald expressed his excitement for the deal in the team’s press release.

"“It was always a priority to keep Jesper Bratt here long term and both parties are thrilled that a deal was completed,” general manager Tom Fitzgerald said in a statement. “I value and commend the commitment Jesper made to this organization. We believe that he is a special player and a key member of our core group of talent who will contribute towards the team’s long-term success and organizational goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to New Jersey.”"

Bratt signed two bridge deals after his entry-level contract before landing a long-term pact. His previous contract was a one-year agreement worth $5.45 million,

Now, he’s the third-highest paid on the Devils behind defenseman Dougie Hamilton ($9 million) and center Jack Hughes($8 million).

Here is a breakdown of the salary for the contract:

  • 2023-24: $10 million
  • 2024-25: $9 million
  • 2025-26: $9 million
  • 2026-27: $8 million
  • 2027-28: $7.2 million
  • 2028-29: $7.2 million
  • 2029-30: $6.6 million
  • 2030-31: $6 million.

The winger has 102 goals and 276 points in 389 NHL games over six seasons. Bratt picked a perfect time to have a career season. In 2022-23, the 24-year-old scored a career-best 32 Goals and had 73 points for the second consecutive season.

The Swedish native was picked in the fifth round at No. 162 overall in the 2016 NHL draft by New Jersey. Bratt’s fiery play made him a part of the Devils’ young core. Now he’s officially getting paid like one.

Timo Meier will get paid by New Jersey Devils

"“Timo knows since I spoke to him (on June 15),” Fitzgerald said, according to NHL.com’s Mike G. Morreale. “He knows how much we want to continue this long-term relationship, and he’s reiterated that to me … this is where he wants to be. “He sees himself as a Devil and has asked his agent to negotiate an eight-year deal with us,” Fitzgerald continued. “It’s music to my ears, and we’ll continue to kind of chip away at it, but the goal is to have Timo Meier in a Devil’s uniform for the next eight years.”"

The Devils acquired Meier, 26, from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline. Meir scored nine goals and had 24 points in 21 regular season games with his new club. Although he went pointless in the Devil’s 4-3 first-round victory over the New York Rangers, Meier was a menace around the net. He constantly pestered the puck. He got in the face of Igor Shesterkin. He was everywhere but on the score sheet.

His fortunes changed in the second round, as he registered two goals and four points in five games. But it didn’t matter. New Jersey was defeated 4-1 by the Carolina Hurricanes. The winger has registered back-back 76-point seasons. He scored 35 goals with the Sharks in 2021-22 and scored 40 between San Jose and New Jersey in the 2022-23 season.

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