New Jersey Devils defenseman claims he took a pay cut for one particular reason
Jonas Siegenthaler, a young 25-year-old defenseman got his first call-up to the Washington Capitals during the 2018-2019 season.
He would spend his first 3 seasons with the Capitals, post-Stanley Cup-run, and would end up playing 97 total games with the Capitals who could never recover after losing Barry Trotz afterward.
His first contract with the New Jersey Devils was a modest, $2.25 Million over 2 years, and was due for a raise.
Siegenthaler had a good season, playing 70 games, putting up 14 points, and putting most of his skills into his physical game, as a defensive-defenseman, as he's no Makar.
However, leaving 2021-2022 as an RFA he could've demanded more money from Tom Fitzgerald but would rather leave money on the table, so New Jersey could build a contender.
With Jack Hughes, Jesper Bratt, Dawson Mercer, Nico Hischier, and Simon Nemec coming into the fold soon, the Devil's may be a fringe contender soon enough.
Siegenthaler is one of few who took team-friendly contracts, this off-season.
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/533020.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/532771.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
