Tom Fitzgerald has been a busy man to start the month of August. On top of the moves he made at the draft and free agency, he has managed to lock down the remaining RFA players on his roster. While signing and avoiding arbitration with Tyce Thompson and star winger Jesper Bratt, another forward was waiting. Miles Wood has signed a new contract. Avoiding his arbitration date that was set for August 6, the deal is for one year and has an AAV of $3.2 million dollars. Wood is set to become a UFA at the end of the season.
🚨 ATTENTION 🚨
Woody’s back!
We have agreed to a one-year deal with Miles Wood worth $3.2 million.
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) August 5, 2022
Miles Wood Stays In New Jersey
Miles Wood has been with the Devils since the 2015-16 season. He became a full-time player during the 2016-17 season. Wood would go on to have his best statistical season during the 2017-18 season where he scored 19 goals, 13 assists, and 32 points. After that, he would go on to consistently hit the 20-point mark and be a mainstay in the lineup. Wood currently has tallied 121 points in 326 career games. Getting him back in the fold is huge as he looks toward a bounce-back year.
Why This Benefits The Devils
While the deal is only for one season, Wood is a solid hockey player. The top six is filled with the addition of former Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ondrej Palat, but Wood easily slots on the third line and his style of play suits that role. Wood is a speedy winger who is not afraid to get physical and in on the forecheck. He is good at generating shots off the rush as well. He is not the most efficient passer, but he does have the ability to create offence and finish the puck.
This card reflects the season mentioned above due to the fact that Wood only suited up in three games for the Devils. An injury-prone campaign derailed his season, and he will look to bounce back now that he is at full health.
Miles Wood, signed 1x$3.2M by NJ, is a speedy winger who forechecks and creates shots off the rush. Turnover prone and not a strong playmaker to say the least. Didn’t play in 21-22; this is his 20-21 player card, when he actually started finishing his chances. #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/AAoyZoBYPU
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) August 5, 2022
Why This Benefits Wood
Miles Wood has a new contract. This is the perfect deal for Miles Wood. An injury-riddled campaign diminished his value slightly, but this could help his stock. Now that he is healthy, he can go out there and play good hockey and have his stock rise. Wood can bet on himself, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent upon season’s end. The Devils want him in the fold, and now he can go out and earn a long-term deal.
🚨SIGNING UPDATE🚨: #NJDevils agree to one-year, $3.2 million contract with forward Miles Wood, avoiding salary arbitration…
Follow every deal in our Signing Tracker – https://t.co/9G8sMTmZZA#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/GkYOMSUiXW
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) August 5, 2022
