On Stefan Noesen
Headlined by Noesen, the New Jersey Devils signed five restricted free agents to contract extensions on Wednesday.
Noesen signed a one-year, two-way deal worth a base salary of $660,000 in the NHL, and $70,000 in the AHL, although he'll be guaranteed $95,000.
In 32 games with the Devils last season, Noesen scored six goals, averaged more 5v5 shots per 60 than Kyle Palmieri, Adam Henrique, and Mike Cammalleri, and posted pretty solid numbers in possession.
His production wasn't a byproduct of unsustainably high shooting percentages like we saw with Devante Smith-Pelly at the end of the 2015-16 season, either, so it's not like there's an inevitable regression coming.
A 32 game sample size isn't large but I'm surprised he couldn't parlay his strong finish into more money -- he's making a hair over league minimum -- or at least a one-way contract.
Noesen will probably make the team, and he'd need to clear waivers to be assigned to the AHL regardless, but at least he'd have some certainty his money isn't going anywhere.
On Will Butcher
BREAKING: Hobey Baker winner Will Butcher to test open market Aug. 15 https://t.co/JWhNnKNvoy
— Adrian Dater (@adater) July 26, 2017
I think it's fair to say the Devils will be making a push for his services when he hits the open market next month, even if he's not a sure thing to pan out.
They are desperate for help on defense at the NHL level and in the system, and Butcher could be a nice boost.
There will be no shortage of suitors but the Devils could offer a clearer path to the NHL than some teams and there are connections.
Will Butcher played w/ Steve Santini for 2 years in the USNDP and 3 years at U. of Denver w/ Travis Zajac's brother, Nolan.#GoodPartyTalk
— Devils Insiders (@DevilsInsiders) July 26, 2017
Whether Butcher signs with the Devils remains to be seen -- odds are he won't based solely on how many teams he'll probably have to choose from -- but I'd be surprised if they don't get involved.
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