If there is one player in the New Jersey Devils locker room who bleeds black and red and wants to remain in the Garden State to continue his professional hockey career, it is Nathan Bastian.
The 27-year-old was selected by the Devils at the 2016 NHL Draft, 41st overall. Bastian has played 264 of his 276 career NHL games in New Jersey. He appeared in 188 games in the American Hockey League with the Binghamton Devils and is one of nine New Jersey players considered homegrown talent.
The 6-foot-4 winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent, and during his end-of-season media availability, he shared his desire to return to the Devils.
“It is crazy how quick a place can feel like home,” he said. “Not that it has been a short time, but I think since the time I was drafted, I am the longest-standing Devil still here. Being here means a lot to me — the city, the rink, the staff, and you guys. It is something I want to be a part of.”
Bastian has concluded a two-year contract worth $2,700,000 with an annual average value of $1,350,000.
He has been a mainstay on the Devils’ fourth line over the past several seasons, earning that final spot on the wing. Known for his gritty style of play, Bastian’s point production has remained pretty consistent in the NHL between the 10 and 16 point mark.
With the team’s struggling depth becoming a storyline for the Devils, and general manager Tom Fitzgerald stating, “We won’t be coming back with the same group because it wasn’t good enough,” one has to wonder if Bastian has done enough to earn another contract.
Bastian responded honestly when asked about the mental side of knowing your contract is up.
“You need a job,” he said. “It is your life, and to a certain extent, it is out of your control, but in another way, it keeps you on your toes. You don’t get a second to lean back. Maybe it sucks a little bit, but it is part of the gig.”
It was clear Bastian doesn’t want to sign with another NHL team, but as he said, some variables are uncontrollable. After all this time, Fitzgerald knows the type of person and player Bastian is. It is up to him to determine if the Kitchener, Ontario native can help his team.
Let us know if you believe the Devils will re-sign Bastian for the 2025-26 season.
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