What's Happening?
The New Jersey Devils have announced the re-signing of forward Ben Steeves to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. The contract stipulates a salary of $850,000 at the NHL level and $150,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level. This
decision was confirmed by General Manager Sunny Mehta and Assistant General Manager Braden Birch. Steeves was acquired by the Devils from the Florida Panthers on June 30, 2026, as part of a trade that included forwards Evan Rodrigues and Jesper Boqvist, in exchange for goaltender Jacob Markstrom and forward Angus Crookshank. Prior to the trade, Steeves had been given a qualifying offer by Florida. The 24-year-old winger, who stands 5'9" and weighs 170 pounds, previously played for Florida's AHL affiliate in Charlotte, where he scored 45 points last season. Steeves joined the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Why It's Important?
The re-signing of Ben Steeves is significant for the New Jersey Devils as it strengthens their roster depth, particularly in the forward position. Steeves' performance in the AHL, where he demonstrated scoring ability and physical play, suggests potential for contribution at the NHL level. This move reflects the Devils' strategy to build a competitive team by integrating promising talent from their AHL affiliate. For Steeves, this contract represents an opportunity to establish himself in the NHL, potentially impacting his career trajectory. The transaction also highlights the ongoing player movement and strategic adjustments teams make during the off-season to enhance their competitiveness.
What's Next?
With Steeves re-signed, the New Jersey Devils will likely focus on integrating him into their training camp and evaluating his fit within the team's system. His performance during the pre-season will be crucial in determining his role for the upcoming season. The Devils' management will continue to assess their roster needs and may pursue additional trades or signings to bolster their lineup. For Steeves, the next steps involve proving his value during training and potentially securing a spot on the NHL roster, which could lead to increased playing time and further development opportunities.
