Devils Announce Pair of Extensions

The New Jersey Devils announced on Thursday morning that they’ve extended forwards Brian Halonen and Samuel Laberge to extensions.

The announcements were made by Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald and Utica Comets General Manager/Devils Senior Vice President, Assistant General Manager Dan MacKinnon.

According to the press release, Halonen, 25, was inked to a two-year, two-way deal worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $175,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level in 2024-25 & in 2025-26, $775,000 at the NHL level and $275,000 at the AHL level.

As for Laberge, 27, he’s signed to a “one-year, two-way contract for 2024-25 worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $120,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level ($135,000 guaranteed).

Halonen’s two-year contract is certainly justified. He scored at an impressive rate in the AHL for the Utica Comets last season, netting 20 goals in 35 games, ranking as Utica’s second-leading goal scorer behind Graeme Clarke who netted 25 goals in 67 games.

Halonen spent a decent chunk of time with the Devils this season, although only dressed in two games. That’s largely due to the fact that he suffered an undisclosed lower-body injury in early October and wasn’t activated until Dec. 30th.

He went pointless, although Halonen certainly didn’t look out of place as a fourth-line checking forward who also showcased a heavy shot.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Halonen more in 2024-25 with the varsity squad.

Laberge collected 19 points (6g-13a) in 59 games in his third season with Utica last season. He set AHL career highs in assists, points, and penalty minutes in 2023-24. The veteran AHLer recorded 48 points (19g-29a) and 199 penalty minutes in 155 regular-season games with Utica since 2021-22. He’s also skated in nine Calder Cup Playoff games (1g-1a) with Utica (2022 & 2023), per the release.

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