Devils Sign Max Willman, Reassign Two Players, Waive Three Forwards in Roster Trim

The New Jersey Devils announced multiple moves on Saturday afternoon, including signing forward Max Willman.

According to the Devils, the following transactions have been processed:

Defenseman Santeri Hatakka and goaltender Isaac Poulter have been assigned to the AHL Utica Comets.

Forwards Shane Bowers, Justin Dowling, and Tyce Thompson have been waived with intent to assign to Utica.

Finally, Willman earned and signed a one-year, two-way deal and has been assigned to the Comets.

Willman’s two-way contract two-way contract is worth $135,000 ($150,000 guaranteed) at the American Hockey League (AHL) level and $775,000 at the NHL level, per Devils PR. According to New Jersey, Willman will also need to clear waivers in order to be sent to Utica.

Willman had a strong training camp and preseason for New Jersey that earned him his new contract. In five preseason games, Willman scored one goal on seven shots. However, Willman wasn’t signed for his offensive prowess, although he has a touch of it. Instead, New Jersey signed Willman as a depth forward who can help the bottom-six in a defensive forechecking role if necessary.

Hatakka also had a strong preseason for New Jersey. He established himself as a reliable, mobile defenseman who will get plenty of reps in Utica. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him called up in the 2023-24 regular season.

Despite putting forth a strong showing over the last few weeks, Thompson hits waivers. He’s one to watch on the waiver wire as a hungry team could snatch up Thompson’s services.

Some notables remaining on the roster are Alexander Holtz, Simon Nemec, and Nolan Foote. There are 28 players remaining on the Devils roster according to the New Jersey.