New Jersey Devils
Devils Lose Defenseman; Signs Two-Year Contract in Sweden
The New Jersey Devils have lost depth defenseman, Santeri Hatakka, who has chosen to continue his career overseas.
Santeri Hatakka has signed a two-year contract with HV71 of the SHL in Sweden, thus ending his tenure with the New Jersey Devils.
Hatakka (24) was acquired two winters ago in the trade with the San Jose Sharks that brought Timo Meier to New Jersey. The Finnish defenseman was drafted by the Sharks in the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft, 184th overall.
The left-shot defenseman underwent a shoulder procedure in October that after sustaining an injury in the preseason. He returned to game action in the early spring, and finished the 2024-25 season with the Utica Comets, playing 19 games, tallying one goal and one assist.
The now ex-Devils defenseman was a pending restricted free agent.
Last summer, New Jersey Hockey Now held a phone interview with Santeri Hatakka about his NHL future. After he was utilized more than anticipated in the 2023-24 season, Hatakka felt he had what it took to be a full-time NHLer.
“I think I have taken pretty good steps this summer. I’m pretty confident I’m going to be a full-time NHLer next year,” Hatakka said to New Jersey Hockey Now.
However, his NHL future is at least on pause, as he continues his career in Sweden for the next two seasons.
Amid signing his new contract with HV71, the Finnish defenseman expressed excitement for his next chapter.
“I like to be involved in the game and hope to contribute with a stable two-way game and move the puck forward in the rink. It will be a lot of fun to come to Jönköping and I have only heard good things about the team and the city and not least the fans,” Hatakka told HV71.se.
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