New Jersey Devils assess contract extensions for pending free agents

The New Jersey Devils are evaluating potential contract extensions for players entering the final year of their deals as the NHL prepares for a new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement will reduce the maximum contract length to seven years for current team re-signings and six years for signings with new teams. Players such as Dawson Mercer and Luke Evangelista are highlighted, with Mercer being considered more valuable as a trade asset rather than for extension, while there is strong support for extending Evangelista's contract due to his potential contributions. The team’s decisions will impact its future direction as it navigates a shifting free agency.

• 3:00 PMYahoo Sports — Evaluating Potential Contract Extensions For The Devils’ Pending Free Agents