The NHL's buyout window will open on June 20, and New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald has a decision to make.
Ondrej Palat will make $6 million for the next two seasons before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
The 34-year-old played throughout New Jersey's lineup in 2024-25 and began the postseason playing with Justin Dowling and Nathan Bastian. Palat finished this past season with 28 points, including 15 goals, the most he scored in a Devils uniform.
When playing on the top line with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, Palat was credited with doing the little things that allowed the dynamic duo to shine offensively.
"He creates a lot of space for me and Jack out there," Bratt said. "Takes the job that sometimes is a tough job that fans and other people don't notice on the ice, to create space for players like us."
"He does a really good job of complementing us, going to the net and getting those greasy pucks in the corner, retrieving them for us," Hughes said.
On the ice, Palat's biggest accomplishment with the Devils came in Game 7 when he assisted on the series-winning goal with his relentless forecheck.
Off the ice, the winger is valued by his teammates and head coach, Sheldon Keefe, who spoke about how valuable the former Stanley Cup champion is.
"He knows he is an important guy for our group, no matter what happens," said Nico Hischier, who sits next to Palat in the locker room.
While his on-ice play leaves something to be desired, considering his cap hit, the organization finds value in Palat. With that said, hockey is a business, and Fitzgerald may choose to part ways with his alternate captain.
The NHL's buyout window will remain open until June 30 at 5:00 PM EST.
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