Friday afternoon the New Jersey Devils and center Nico Hischier agreed to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension worth $7.25 million AAV. Hischier joins an impressive crop of 2020 would-be RFA’s who have opted to sign with their respective teams mid-season. That list includes Clayton Keller, Thomas Chabot, and others. So what does this mean for the New York Islanders and Mathew Barzal?
It’s pretty much common knowledge at this point that many first-time RFA’s are looking for shorter, “bridge” deals. Barzal and agent J.P. Barry are well aware of this, as is New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello.