Jesper Bratt signs long-term deal to remain in New Jersey.
NEWARK, N.J. -- Contract negotiations between the New Jersey Devils and Jesper Bratt have finally concluded. General manager Tom Fitzgerald announced they re-signed the 24-year-old to an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $7.875 million.
"It was always a priority to keep Jesper Bratt here long term, and both parties are thrilled that a deal was completed," said Fitzgerald in the team's press release. "I value and commend the commitment Jesper made to this organization. We believe that he is a special player and a key member of our core group of talent who will contribute towards the team's long-term success and organizational goal of bringing the Stanley Cup back to New Jersey."
During his end-of-season media availability, Bratt made it clear that New Jersey is his home.
"I've been clear since day one that I think this is a great place to play, he said. "We're in a place that I call home. I'm so excited about what this team and franchise did, and this is a ride that I want to be part of. ...I have full confidence in my agent and in Tom that we'll get something done."
Fitzgerald shared during his own end-of-season media availability on May 17 that the framework of a deal was in place if Bratt wanted a long-term contract.
"I know Jesper wants to be a Devil long term, and so do we," he said. "He had a tremendous year, and nobody doubted he wouldn't. He's part of the fabric here, part of the core. We just want to get this done. I don't anticipate contentious negotiations."
According to the team's press release, the breakdown of the contract is as follows:
2023-24 season: $10,000,000
2024-25 season: $9,000,000
2025-26 season: $9,000,000
2026-27 season: $8,000,000
2027-28 season: $7,200,000
2028-29 season: $7,200,000
2029-30 season: $6,600,000
2030-31 season: $6,000,000