Reports: New Jersey Devils sign forward Ondrej Palat to five-year deal
The New Jersey Devils made a move late Wednesday night by signing free agent forward Ondrej Palat to a five-year contract.
News of the deal was first reported by Kevin Weekes. TSN Chris Johnston later reported that the deal was to carry a $6 million AAV.
Palat, 31, spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the team that drafted him in the 7th round of the 2011 draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning. There he became an incredibly useful front-six striker and is coming off one of his most productive years.
In 77 games this year, the two-time Stanley Cup champion has scored 18 goals and 49 points. But in the playoffs, he took his game to another level as he often does. In 23 playoff games, he scored 11 goals and 21 points, helping the Tampa Bay Lightning contest a tough Cup Final with the Colorado Avalanche.
Palat was one of the top free agents in the league and came in at number 11 on Daily face-to-face free agent roster. It was believed that he also had other suitors. According Athleticism Eric Stephensthe Anaheim Ducks were a team interested in the winger.
Zach Laing is the News Director and Senior Columnist for the Nation Network. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaingor attached by email to [email protected]
