Devils sign Josefson, Gazdic to one-year deals

"The Neutral Zone" Staff Report

NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils today announced that they have re-signed restricted free agent center Jacob Josefson to a one year, $1,100,000 contract, and the team also signed free agent left wing Luke Gazdic to a one-year, two-way contract worth $700,000 at the NHL level. The announcements were made by Devils’ Executive Vice President/General Manager Ray Shero.

Josefson, 25, set a new career high in assists (10) and points (14) in 58 games played this season. He appeared in his 200th career NHL game November 22, 2015 at Vancouver. In 238 career games over six seasons with New Jersey, he has scored 17 goals and 33 assists for 50 points, amassing 62 penalty minutes. He also added one assist in six playoff contests.

The native of Stockholm, Sweden was New Jersey’s first choice and the 20th overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Gazdic, 26, spent the last three seasons with the Oilers’ organization. In 2015-16, he skated in 29 games, scoring one goal and accumulating 24 penalty minutes at the NHL level. Gazdic added one goal, two assists and six penalty minutes in 11 games for Bakersfield (AHL). In 136 career NHL games, he has notched five goals and three assists for eight points and 194 penalty minutes. Gazdic spent the previous four-plus seasons, 2008-09 through 2012-13, with the Dallas Stars organization in Texas (AHL) and Idaho (ECHL). The 6’4”, 225lb. winger was the Stars’ eighth choice (sixth round) and the 172nd overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

The native of Toronto, Ontario, played three seasons of junior hockey with Erie (OHL).