The New Jersey Devils signed forwards Shane Bowers and Ryan Schmelzer to respective two-year contracts on Tuesday morning.
NEWARK, N.J. -- On Tuesday morning, the New Jersey Devils announced the signing of two forwards.
Shane Bowers, 24, signed a two-year contract, and Ryan Schmelzer, 30, signed a two-year, two-way contract. President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and Devils' Assistant General Manager/Utica Comets General Manager Dan MacKinnon made both announcements.
Bowers was acquired in a June 26, 2023, trade with the Boston Bruins in exchange for defenseman Reilly Walsh. He began the season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Utica Comets. Bowers did not make his Devils debut until Jan. 11 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He appeared in eight NHL games. With the Comets, he played 43 games and amassed 14 points (10 goals, four assists).
Per the press release, the contract details are as follows: 2024-25: $775,000 at the NHL level and $200,000 at the AHL level; 2025-26: $775,000 NHL/$225,000 AHL ($250,000 guaranteed).
Schmelzer is the Comets' captain and has been with New Jersey's AHL affiliate for the past six seasons. He led all Utica skaters with 52 points (18 goals, 34 assists) in 72 games last season, setting a new career-high for himself in the AHL.
Per the press release, the contract details are as follows: 2024-25: $775,000 at the NHL level and $275,000 at the AHL level; 2025-26: $775,000 NHL/$275,000 AHL.
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