It’s time the New Jersey Devils pay Jesper Bratt

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Today’s post was written by ALEX CHAUVANCY. You can find Alex on Twitter @AlexC_THW.

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The New Jersey Devils have already handed out one pricey extension this year, signing Jack Hughes to an eight-year, $64 million contract that begins next season.

Hughes is not the only notable restricted free agent negotiation general Tom Fitzgerald has on his plate. Jesper Bratt's breakout season is here, and it looks like a payday is on his way. 

As of this writing, Bratt is on pace for 23 goals and 75 points, which will easily shatter his career-highs. Since starting 2021-22 with zero points through his first five games, he has 23 in his last 20 contests — a 94-point pace over 82 games.

At 23 years old, his best years are here, and it's time the Devils get moving on a contract extension. 

Bratt producing to his expected numbers

When Fitzgerald and the Devils announced the Hughes extension, he said they looked at the expected numbers as part of the reason they gave Hughes the money they did (via Corey Masisak of The Athletic):

"You can use the player comps out there and what Jack has done. But then we look at his expected numbers, and we’re an analytic team. We believe where there is smoke, there is fire. And with Jack, we think he’s just heating up now. We felt it was best for us, and you can go to the player and offer up some security." 

If you look at Bratt's expected goals percentage (xGF%) over the last three seasons, you're probably going to find where there's smoke, there's fire, too:

• 2019-20: 51.2 xGF%

• 2020-21: 53.6 xGF%

• 2021-22 (to date): 59.5 xGF%