The New Jersey Devils Have reached an agreement to terms with former Tampa Bay Lightning Winger Ondrej PalatThe team will be adding a Stanley Cup champion to their young roster.
According to ESPN, Palat was signed by the Devils on a five year deal that has an average annual value $6 million.
Palat, aged 31, spent his entire 10-year Lightning career, scoring 143 goals in 628 games and 280 assists. He is known for being a solid two-way player, but also able to play up and down the lineup.
He’s also been an outstanding postseason performer. Palat recorded 31 points in 48 games for the Lightning during their back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. He scored 21 points in 23 games during their last postseason loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Colorado Avalanche Three game-winning goals were scored in the Stanley Cup Final. The Devils have not reached the playoffs in 10 years.
Palat is one the Devils’ only forwards who are over 30.
The Devils were not able to sign a free superstar winger. Johnny Gaudreau On Wednesday, the NHL opened free agency. The former Flames forward chose to sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets.