A week after the start of free agency, the New Jersey Devils continue to take care of business. Taking a huge step toward that end, the Devils locked up Kyle Palmieri long-term. New Jersey also retained more players and acquired Taylor Hall’s old Edmonton roommate. Internally the Devils will likely take care of business with restricted free agents Reid Boucher and Reece Scarlett, along with monitoring the situation concerning Patrik Elias.
Staying Put:
Kyle Palmieri
After Palmieri led the Devils with 57 points and tied with the lead in goals with 30, New Jersey decided to give the man who grew up in Montvale a long-term deal. Palmieri also notched a career best 23 points on the power play. Following a trade from the Anaheim Ducks, Palmieri had a breakout season and his reward is a five-year contract, worth an annual average of $4.6 million. This affirms the Devils’ view of Palmieri as a cornerstone player in their rebuilding effort. Even if Palmieri continues to hover around those numbers going forward, it’s a pretty reasonable contract.
Jacob Josefson
This could mark a make or break season for Josefson with the Devils. Josefson has speed, great stick handling ability and set career bests in assists and points last season. Josefson’s deal is a one-year contract, worth $1.1 million.
Sergey Kalinin
Kalinin had a solid rookie campaign with New Jersey. Playing mostly on the third line, Kalinin posted eight goals and seven helpers. Kalinin’s deal is for one year, at $800,000.
Rod Pelley
In his second stint with the Devils’ organization, Pelley has served as captain with the Albany Devils in each of the past three seasons. Pelley tallies eight goals, playing mostly on the fourth line with Albany last season. During the Calder Cup playoffs, Pelley notched two goals in eleven contests. Pelley’s deal is an AHL contract.
[BREAKING] The #ADevils have re-signed captain Rod Pelley for the 2016-17 season → https://t.co/P16K8LzG2x pic.twitter.com/vZBTqZvcLS
— Albany Devils (@AlbanyDevils) July 6, 2016
Max Novak
The former Union College standout, who netted the game-winning tally in the 2014 title game, returns for his third season in Albany. The Oak Ridge, New Jersey native registered 14 points in 43 games with Albany last season.
.@AlbanyDevils re-sign F Max Novak @Unionmhockey –https://t.co/KHc8R1jJ9g pic.twitter.com/Z3FseKrQna
— ECAC Hockey (@ecachockey) July 5, 2016
Kevin Rooney
A member of the 2015 Providence College title-winning team, Rooney signed an ATO with Albany last season. In seven contests, Rooney recorded three assists.
[BREAKING] #ADevils ink Jan Mandat, Max Novak and Kevin Rooney → https://t.co/JSMcFrl9xw #UnitedInRed pic.twitter.com/Qn6JwDWNU7
— Albany Devils (@AlbanyDevils) July 5, 2016
New Arrivals:
Luke Gazdic
Gazdic had been with the Edmonton Oilers organization since 2013. Last season Gazdic split time between Edmonton and AHL Bakersfield. With the Oilers, Gazdic totaled 24 penalty minutes across 29 games. Depending where Gazdic winds up, his two-way contract will likely have him filling the role of Jordin Tootoo or Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond.
Jan Mandat
Another AHL contract, Mandat spent parts of the past four seasons between Victoriaville and Val d’Or Foreurs of the QMJHL. The 20-year-old forward notched 20 goals, 44 assists and 64 points in 62 games last season.
Jan Mandat is the newest A-Devil. He had 20 goals and 44 assists with Val D’Or last season → https://t.co/JSMcFrl9xw pic.twitter.com/KLY8vKrC1j
— Albany Devils (@AlbanyDevils) July 6, 2016
Shipping Out:
Jordin Tootoo
A feel good story and fan favorite, Tootoo resurrected his career in two seasons with New Jersey. Tootoo netted ten goals in 2014-15 and racked up 102 penalty minutes in his fourth line enforcer role in 2015-16. Tootoo, a veteran of 673 NHL contests, joins the Chicago Blackhawks on a one-year contract.
