Overview
- The New Jersey Devils finalized contracts Monday by re-signing goaltender Jakub Malek to a two-year, two-way deal and signing forward Ben Steeves to a one-year, two-way deal.
- Malek’s contract carries an average annual NHL value of $875,000 with a 2026–27 NHL/AHL split of $850,000/$175,000 and a 2027–28 split of $900,000/$275,000 that includes a $300,000 guarantee.
- Malek made his North American pro debut in 2025–26 with Utica and Adirondack, posting a 13-14-5 record, a 2.75 goals-against average and a .895 save percentage in 31 AHL games, and he is projected as a leading candidate for Utica’s starting job next season.
- Steeves signed for an $850,000 NHL cap hit and a $150,000 AHL salary; he was acquired in the trade that sent Jacob Markström to Florida and scored a career-high 23 goals and 45 points in 72 AHL games last season.
- Both deals are two-way contracts that give New Jersey roster flexibility between the NHL and AHL, preserve depth behind Jake Allen and Nico Daws, and set up competition for playing time in Utica that could affect call-ups and goaltending movement.