Jesper Bratt agrees to eight-year extension
Jesper Bratt will remain a New Jersey Devil for the foreseeable future. The 24-year-old has signed an eight-year contract extension with the Devils worth $63 million. Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff broke the news.
Told #njdevils and Jesper Bratt are closing in on an 8-year extension at an AAV of $7.875 million. Total is $63 million. @DailyFaceoff
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 15, 2023
For the second straight season, Bratt notched 73 points on Jack Hughes‘ wing. However, 2022-23 was the first time that the Swede eclipsed 30 goals. He has also become one of the faces of the resurgent Devils, having been drafted back in 2016. His development stagnated a little after his debut season in 2017-18 but that all changed two seasons ago.
With the rapid rise in Hughes’ play down the middle, Bratt also saw a sharp growth in his game. His points total from 2020-21 was 30 in total. Flash forward another season and it became 73.
Happy Ending?
There were initially concerns that Bratt would not remain with Jersey. He played this past season on a one-year, $5.4 million contract after avoiding arbitration. After mirroring his production for another season, that was enough for general manager Tom Fitzgerald to give him a very nice raise.
At face value, the deal should age very well as the Devils continue to get better. It was a very impressive year for New Jersey as they got into the playoffs and knocked out the Rangers in the first round. However, things ended on a sour note after the Hurricanes stomped them out in five games.
The Devils are having a quick start to their Summer. Bratt’s extension comes not long after they also parted ways with Damon Severson in a sign-and-trade to Columbus. Just under $8 million a season for a 70-point winger is a very nice piece of business. Do not be surprised when the Devils keep getting moves done.
