UPDATE: The deal has been officially announced by New Jersey, with CapFriendly reporting a cap hit of $723.3K over the three-year term.
The Devils have added some defensive depth to their prospect pool. TVA Sports’ Renaud Lavoie reports (Twitter link) that the team has signed defenseman Jeremy Groleau to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
The 18-year-old went undrafted back in June but has clearly made a positive impression with his showing at training camp so far. Last season, Groleau played in 63 games with Chicoutimi of the QMJHL, picking up 15 points (4-11-15) along with 18 penalty minutes. He also suited up in six postseason contests but was held off the scoresheet. The Sagueneens also confirmed the contract (via Twitter).
Assuming he doesn’t make the Devils’ roster and play in ten or more games (a likely outcome), Groleau’s contract will slide a year so he will still have three years on his contract next season. He also won’t count against New Jersey’s 50-contract limit which is notable considering the team already has 47 on the books and will want to keep some flexibility for in-season moves.