The New Jersey Devils have announced a contract extension for RFA forward Nathan Bastian. Bastian will be locked in for the next two years and will make $1.35 million per season.
Hearing #NJDevils and Bastian agree to 2x$1.35, $2.7 total
— James Nichols (@JamesNicholsNHL) July 1, 2023
Bastian Signs Contract To Return To Devils
Nathan Bastian has a new contract with the Devils. Bastian had an up-and-down second season since returning to New Jersey after being claimed off waivers. He missed almost half of the season to an upper-body injury that seemed to have affected him even after his return. Despite this, Bastian scored six goals and put up nine assists for 15 points in just 43 games.
Bastian was drafted in the second round, 41st overall in the 2016 NHL Draft. He played parts of two seasons, 2018-19 and 2020-21, before being drafted by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. In Seattle, he put up two points in 12 games before being put on waivers. The Devils claimed him, and in 2021-22 he scored 16 points in a career-high 60 games.
Bastian Provides Solid Depth for New Jersey
Bastian was drafted the same year as his Mississauga and New Jersey teammate, Michael McLeod. He was never drafted to be a big point producer in the NHL, but what has brought over from his junior career is a big, physical, power forward game. Throughout his time in New Jersey, “Bass” has become a fan favourite. He’s not afraid to drop the gloves and fight, while also being used as an effective net-front presence on the power play. In the playoffs for New Jersey, he played in 11 games and had one goal and one assist.
Over the past couple of years, Bastian has provided solid depth for the Devils and figures to continue to get regular game time. The Devils don’t have many big, physical prospects coming up the pipeline to threaten his job. It is also worth noting that Bastian and McLeod have been teammates since 2014, and have shown great chemistry together. As New Jersey continues their ascent, having impactful bottom-six forwards that fit Bastian’s play style.
Main Photo: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
