There’s no denying that Jesper Bratt is one of the NHL’s best-kept secrets. Throughout eight seasons with the New Jersey Devils, he has become a franchise cornerstone, and his offensive contributions are invaluable. This season, he finished as the club’s top scorer, with 88 points in the regular season, along with three points in five playoff games.
And with Ondrej Palat on trade boards, the team may need to name another alternate captain. Alongside captain Nico Hischier, Bratt is the longest-tenured player in New Jersey. Both his skills and experience are worthy of a leadership title, and he should be the next Devil to wear an “A” on his jersey.
From Draft Steal to Superstar
Bratt is the Devils’ biggest draft steal to date, selected 162nd overall in the sixth round of the 2016 Draft. After making the opening night roster on Oct. 7, 2017, it was clear that he would become something special. He scored a power-play goal and earned a shorthanded assist during his first NHL game, finishing his debut season with 35 points.
But after four campaigns in the 30-point range, Bratt’s offensive production doubled. As his game improved, he also became more versatile, excelling not only in his playmaking ability but also on the Devils’ special teams. Likewise, he also progressed in the physical aspects of the game, upping his strength in the defensive zone. He managed to land 45.5% more hits than last season and blocked a career-high 42 shots, both of which garnered praise from head coach Sheldon Keefe.
Bratt has crossed the 70-point threshold each season since 2021-22, making his point production both consistent and reliable. This season, he managed to reach new heights, with a career-high in both assists (67) and power-play points (34). He even broke the franchise record for most assists in a single season, a title previously held by Devils’ legend Scott Stevens.
Stepping Up and Standing Out
Bratt has proven time and time again why he deserves to wear an “A,” namely due to his dedication to New Jersey. In 2023, he signed an eight-year extension with the Devils, which has an AAV of $7,875,000. Since signing this contract, he has been the Devils’ leading scorer for two consecutive seasons. In fact, he ranked fifth in the NHL for regular-season assists, joining the elite ranks of players like Connor McDavid and Nikita Kucherov.
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Hockey Writers…