The New Jersey Devils started the week off by signing 2018 1st round pick, Ty Smith, to an entry-level contract.
It is a standard three-year deal that will pay Smith $925,000 with potential for him to earn an extra $400,000 in performance bonuses, according to CapFriendly.
Smith was as dominant as any defender in junior hockey last season. He put up 73 points in 68 games – remarkable production for his age – and led all draft eligible CHL defenders with a +39(!) goal differential and a Relative Goals For of +18.16% at 5v5.
By signing Smith now, the Devils opened the door for him to get a taste of NHL hockey come October if they wish to give him such. He can play in as many as nine games before burning a year of his contract.
I wouldn't be shocked to see Smith get into a few games, although it's not exactly a certainty, but I expect he'll return to Spokane for one more season.
He is not a finished product as a player and another year of development and growth for his body is probably necessary.
The Devils have been quite patient with their prospects since Ray Shero took over. I doubt they're going to change now and force Smith into the lineup, especially when it'd probably come at the expense of Mirco Mueller.
I'm not his biggest fan by any means but the Devils have talked about giving him a bigger role next season. They also invested a 2nd and a 4th in him last summer so I doubt they're going to pull the plug and brush him aside after *checks notes* 28 games with the team.
My guess is Smith will dominate the WHL for another year, play for Canada at the World Juniors, and seriously contend for a roster spot on the Devils in 2019-20.