The New Jersey Devils announced Tuesday that they have inked forward Riley Tufte to a one-year contract worth $850,000, a move that adds a seasoned AHL scorer to the organization's depth chart.
A New Chapter for Tufte
Tufte, 28, arrives after two seasons spent within the Boston Bruins system, where he posted 56 points — 32 goals and 24 assists — across 64 games in the American Hockey League.
His performance last year placed him fourth in league scoring for goals and tenth in plus/minus rating, underscoring his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
While his NHL résumé consists of just 28 regular-season appearances with the Dallas Stars, in which he recorded three goals and a single assist, Tufte's debut came on November 13, 2021, marking the start of a modest but promising top-level stint.
From College to the Pros
Across the AHL, he has accumulated 222 points with a plus-63 rating in 395 games, a testament to his consistency and growth since being drafted 25th overall by Dallas in the 2016 NHL Draft.
The forward also boasts an impressive collegiate pedigree, having helped the University of Minnesota-Duluth capture back-to-back National Championships and earning a bronze medal with Team USA at the 2018 World Junior Championship.
Selected in the first round of the 2016 draft, Tufte spent three seasons at Minnesota-Duluth, where he tallied 64 points in 121 games, before transitioning to professional hockey.
What the Deal Means for New Jersey
The Devils hope the addition of Tufte will bolster their depth, especially as they look to complement the scoring output of their top lines and provide a reliable option on the power play.
Coaching staff noted that Tufte's blend of size, work ethic, and proven AHL productivity aligns with the team's tactical goals for the upcoming season.
General manager Brad Lambert praised the player's professionalism and expressed confidence that his experience will translate into meaningful contributions at the NHL level.