The contract runs through the 2020-21 season and carries an annual average value (AAV) of $1,416,666.67 ($4.25 million total). The breakdown is as follows and all years of the contract are one-way: 2018-19, $1,100,000; 2019-20, $1,500,000; 2020-21, $1,650,000. He will be a restricted free agent following the 2020-21 season.
"We are excited to lock up Steven, a young, developing defenseman, for the next three seasons," said Shero. "He provides size and a physical element that complements our existing defensive group moving forward."
Santini completed his second full season, split between New Jersey and Binghamton (AHL). While with New Jersey, he set career highs with two goals (tie), eight assists, ten points and 21 penalty minutes in 36 games. The Devils record with Santini in the lineup was 21-8-7. He finished first on the squad in hits per game (3.14) and his season total of 113 still placed him fourth overall on the team. Santini was also second on the team in blocked shots per game (2.03) while averaging over 20 minutes in the games he played, which would have ranked him third among all skaters. He has registered four goals and 13 assists in 75 career NHL games.
Born on March 7, 1995, Santini was New Jersey's first choice (second round), 42nd overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft. He spent three years with Boston College (HE), where he totaled five goals and 30 assists for 35 points in 98 career games. Santini was named Hockey East's Best Defensive Defenseman for the 2015-16 season. Additionally, he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team after his freshman year and represented the U.S. at the 2014 World Junior Championships.
The 6'2", 205lb. native of Mahopac, NY spent two seasons, 2011-12 and 2012-13, with the United States National Development Program (USHL). In 182 career games, he tallied three goals and 32 assists for 35 points. In 2012-13, he was named Best Defenseman at the Under-18 World Championships.
