Devils Daily: Mercer’s Contract; Crosby’s Contract; Jessica Campbell Makes History

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind. The draft came and went, which led right into free agency, and the following day New Jersey Devils development camp got underway.

Now, things are finally about to slow down. The insiders have fled for their cottages, the beat reporters (such as myself) are gathering their material for offseason content, and the players are heading to their respective homes to train for the offseason.

There’s still going to be plenty to cover off the ice this summer, so you won’t be rid of us. A break here and there to sit on the beach, sure. But we’ll be around. You’ll see.

In the links, the Devils made a number of moves in free agency. We graded each of the four signings. Plus, an update on Dawson Mercer’s contract status.

Elsewhere, speaking of contract status, Sidney Crosby’s eligible to extend as of three days ago. Will he? Jessica Campbell makes history in Seattle, and some more extensions and signings on day three of free agency.

Let’s do that hockey.

Devils News

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils brought in four players via free agency. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald had a list of boxes he wanted to check off this summer and he was able to do so, for the most part. Using the old school A-F grading policy,we graded each signing from Brett Pesce to Tomas Tatar.

More NJHN: The Devils have a number of restricted free agents they need to address as their last bit of business this summer. Included in that bunch is forward Dawson Mercer. Here’s an update from the Devils’ GM on where he stands with Mercer and the remaining RFAs.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic: The NHL saw history made on Wednesday when Jessica Campbell was named the assistant head coach of the Seattle Kraken, the first woman in league history to hold that title in a full-time capacity.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There are lingering and significant questions without definitive answers. Yet the circumstantial evidence is piling up, and arrows are beginning to point to a full-scale rebuild, not a retool on the fly, for the Pittsburgh Penguins beginning within the next 12 months. So where does that leave Sidney Crosby?

San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks selected Quentin Musty in the first round of the 2023 NHL Draft, 26th overall. He went back to the OHL last season and absolutely dominated, collecting 102 points, scoring 43 goals. Feeling like he’s accomplished all that he can at the junior level, he has his sights set on the Sharks’ NHL roster next season.

Florida Hockey Now: The Florida Panthers lost some parts this summer as free agency hit and a handful of their roster players who helped them win their first Stanley Cup in franchise history departed on the open market. However, Anton Lundell isn’t going anywhere after inking a new six-year deal to remain in Sunrise.

Philly Hockey Now: After receiving his qualifying offer over the weekend, forward Bobby Brink agreed to a new two-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday worth $3 million in total, carrying an AAV of $1.5 million.

Detroit Hockey Now: In desperate need of scoring, the Detroit Red Wings found an answer to help them keep producing numbers in the red-light district. The club and UFA Vladimir Tarasenko are in agreement on a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.75 million.

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