UFA opened with a deluge of players inking new deals.

The Devils made a splash signing the prize of the day - Dougie!

Bernier coming in to shore the goalie situation and be a mentor to Blackwood was also a good signing.

Along with minor signings they also shipped Will Butcher to Buffalo.

Props to Fitz and management - they addressed planned needs and paid to get their players. Period!

While Bernier got a 2 year $8,250,000 deal.

Dougie got a 7 year $63 Million dollar deal to bring his services to New Jersey. (Seth Jones makes $500k more than Hamilton - so I believe Hamilton got fair market value)

Solid signing? yes. Overpaid? time will tell.

The deal is structured middle loaded, presumably in his peak years. He and Nico are the only players signed 24/25 season and a pillar for this Devils team.

Here is the breakdown of the Hamilton Contract

21-22: 750K + 5.5M SB
22-23: 3.3M + 3M SB
23-24: 10.6M + 2M SB
24-25: 10M +2.6M SB
25-26: 1M +10.55M SB
26-27: 1M + 7.4M SB
27-28: 5.25M


The trade carries a no movement clause with a modified no trade cause (10 team list) in the last 3 years giving more flexibility should they regret the latter contract years.

No wonder it took all day to finalize this.

The Devils landing the prize is also a statement that New Jersey is an attractive destination where players hope they can win (in the coming years).

A far cry from the "Mickey Mouse Organization" no one wanted to come.

Mickey Mouse Organization... to the closest thing we have seen to a modern day dynasty lifting 3 Cups along with two more Cup Finals Appearance... to a horrible last decade which saw much transition on and off the ice... to where we are today:
A young up and coming team where timing couldn't be better to build a TEAM.

Jersey fans are, indeed, happy.

I do expect the Devils to continue activity as they are looking for some forward veteran help (both on and off the ice).
Parise has been a name popping up. A few other veteran forwards that could fit the bill are out there. Another addition or two with two year contracts looks like the step.


In other news, the Devils release their pre season schedule consisting of 3 home games and 3 away games.
Pre season starts on September 29th against the Caps finishing on October 7th against the Islanders.

Rookies report to camp on September 15th while veterans come in on September 22nd.

This should be an exciting rookie camp.

Burning Question(s)..... What do you think of the Hamilton signing and contract structure?What should the Devils do in free agency?


Truly yours,
The Devils Advocate