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The pickle king of New Jersey will return to the Devils lineup next season, per Corey Masisak, after re-signing with the team for a very healthy three-year contract with $1.8m AAV. An arbitration hearing was scheduled for July 22nd.
Blake Coleman has signed a new contract with the #NJDevils. 3 years, $1.8 million per season.
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) July 17, 2018
Blake Coleman had an unexpected breakout year in 2017-18. Earning a roster spot at camp and never looking back, the Plano, TX native amassed 13 goals and 12 assists in 79 games playing alongside Stefan Noesen and Travis Zajac for most of the season. Prior to that Coleman only picked up one goal and one assist in his previous 23 NHL games. Blake also added two playoff goals, shooting at 12.5%.
The deal eats into two UFA years and rewards Coleman for his career year with a $1.2m raise, the AAV of the deal is $950k lower than the one-year contract of Brian Boyle who put up an impressive 13 goals and 10 assists playing in only 69 games whilst fighting cancer.