On Monday, July 6, the New Jersey Devils announced that they have re-signed goaltender Jakub Malek to a two-year, two-way contract worth an average annual value of $875,000. The deal is worth $850,000 at the NHL level and $175,000 at the American Hockey League (AHL) level for the 2026-27 season. For the 2027-28 season, the contract will continue as a two-way deal worth $900,000 at the NHL level and $275,000 at the AHL level with a $300,000 guarantee.
Drafted by the Devils in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft, the Czech native has been developing into one of the franchise’s most promising goaltending prospects. After several seasons playing in Europe, Malek made the transition to North America.
The 24-year-old netminder split his season last season between the Utica Comets and the Adirondack Thunder in the ECHL. In his 31 games for Utica, Malek held an .895 save percentage (SV) and a 2.75 goals-against average (GAA). In his two games played for Adirondack, he posted a .930 SV and a 1.91 GAA.
Before joining the Devils, Malek played for Ilves in Finland’s Liiga, where he established himself as a strong goaltender. In his first season with Liiga, he posted a 15-11-6 record, with a 2.09 GAA and a .910 SV%. His second season in Finland remained consistent, with a 2.32 GAA, a .915 SV%, and two shutouts.
This new contract comes as New Jersey continues to reshape its goaltending depth chart heading into the 2026-27 season. By re-signing Malek, the Devils retain another young goaltender option who could be the starting goaltender for Utica this upcoming season.
With Jacob Markstrom signing with the Florida Panthers, it’s possible we see a goaltending tandem of Jake Allen and Nico Daws, leaving the starting goaltender position in Utica wide open for Malek.
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