|
On Bratt's ELC and another potential landing spot for Kovalchuk |
|
|
|
|
|
Follow me on Twitter @ToddCordell
The New Jersey Devils recently signed Jesper Bratt to an entry-level contract.
Bratt, a 6th round pick in 2016, is coming off a solid season where he put up 22 points in 46 games for AIK, which tied him for 6th on the team in scoring.
Those are good totals for an 18-year-old playing in a men's league. For perspective, four of the five players to finish with more points were at least three years older and the one exception (Fredrik Karlstrom, who had two more points) was a 3rd round pick of Dallas in 2016 so it's fair to say he should be producing more.
Bratt will spend next season in the AHL, which will allow us to get a better gauge on how close, or far away, he is from NHL duty. Regardless, the speedy and skilled winger should provide a nice boost to the baby Devils
**
Since Ilya Kovalchuk's camp made it known he'd like to return to the NHL this season, plenty of teams have been mentioned as possible landing spots with Montreal, San Jose, New York (x2) and Florida popping up most frequently.
In Larry Brooks' most recent Slap Shots column he brought up Los Angeles as another possibility.
But the Kings might prefer to take another run at getting Ilya Kovalchuk from the Devils seven years after finishing second to New Jersey in the prodigal’s free-agent sweepstakes.
The Kings would have to get some money off their books to afford Kovalchuk -- I know they'll really push to get rid of Marian Gaborik's contract -- but they are desperate to add more offense, are a warm weather team, and almost always make the playoffs, so the team could be as attractive to Kovalchuk as he is to them.
Whether or not the Kings are seriously interested in Kovalchuk remains to be seen but the more teams in the mix, the better chance the Devils have of fetching a good return.
Recent Posts
On Shattenkirk, McLeod and Bastian
Devils Q&A: On Severson's next deal, defense targets, Hischier and more
Let the Kovalchuk sweepstakes begin
On the Devils and expansion draft decisions
Are the Devils interested in Ryan Spooner?
Why I have Nico Hischier ranked above Nolan Patrick
Beau Bennett quietly effective in debut season with the Devils
Which pending free agents should the Devils keep?
The Hall - Zajac - Palmieri line was one of the NHL's best in 2016-17
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»