According to reports the New Jersey Devils have signed forward Tomas Tatar. Tatar, who most recently played for the Montreal Canadiens, to a two-year deal worth $9 million. The contract carries a salary-cap hit of $4.5 million per season.
The #NJDevils signed 30 y/o UFA F Tomas Tatar to 2 year $4.5M Cap Hit Deal.
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Tomas Tatar Signs with Devils
Last season, Tatar scored 10 goals, 20 assists, and 30 points in 50 games with the Canadiens. Over his 10 year career, Tatar has played for the Detroit Red Wings, Vegas Golden Knights, and Montreal Canadiens. In 625 career games, he has scored 176 goals and 201 assists for 377 points. His career-high came in 2019-20, where he scored 61 points in just 68 games. Tatar was originally drafted in the 2nd round, 60th overall in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.
Tatar spent the majority of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs sidelined with an undisclosed injury. This was the second time in three years he’s been sidelined during the playoffs. Despite this, Tatar, at 30 years of age, is still a very capable player in today’s NHL.
What This Means for the Team
The Devils have secured middle-six scoring with the addition of Tatar. While he spent a lot of his time on the Canadiens’ third line, he still managed to show off that scoring touch that made him famous in Detroit. With the Devils, Tatar will be relied on for power-play points and the offensive edge that’s made him so fun to watch during his career. At 30, the odds of him reaching career highs are low. Still, his highest point total came when he was 29. Anything is possible, especially for a guy like Tatar, who will no doubt be looking to make a great impression with [team]. In the past, players have praised him for his positive locker room presence and great sense of humour. A guy like that on your roster is great to have around when the going gets tough. For Tatar and Devils, it looks like a match made in heaven.
New Jersey is still looking to add another top-six forward to their lineup. They are hoping Tatar can be that player but they still have room to add another forward if they feel it is necessary.
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