Devils Re-Sign Bubble NHL Defenseman to Two-Way Contract

The New Jersey Devils announced on Monday they’ve signed defenseman Santeri Hatakka to a one-year, two way contract. Hatakka’s new deal is worth $775,000 at the NHL level and $125,000 ($150,000 guaranteed) at the American Hockey League (AHL) level.

The Finnish defenseman is no longer waivers exempt.

The Devils acquired Hatakka at the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline as part of the Timo Meier trade from the Adan Jose Sharks. New Jersey got a little more than what they were expecting in Hatakka, as he’s shown promising NHL upside as a potential future full-time blue liner.

The Finnish blue liner split time between the NHL and AHL last season, however, played the majority of his games with the Utica Comets. In 45 AHL games, Hatakka scored five goals and 20 points and worked as one of Utica’s top defenders.

In 12 games with the Devils in 2023-24, Hatakka collected two assists. However, it was his play away from the puck that turned heads toward Hatakka’s upside as a future NHL blue liner.

Hatakka showed poised defending ability, limiting the oppositions chances by closing lanes, utilizing quality stick checks, and keeping his game simple by forcing turnovers and sending the puck away from danger.

Hatakka’s new one-year deal walks him into free agency again next summer where he will remain a restricted free agent.

The Sharks selected Hatakka in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, 184th overall out of Finland’s Junior league playing for Jokerit. In the 2020-22 U20 World Junior Championships, Hatakka helped Finland capture the bronze medal scoring a goal and two points in seven games.

Hatakka will likely start 2024-25 in the AHL with the Comets, but don’t be surprised if he is the first blue line call up if necessary.

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