J.S. Dea Claimed by New Jersey Devils; Could be NJ 4th Line Center

The New Jersey Devils claimed Penguins forward Jean-Sebastien Dea off waivers, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The Penguins sent Dea through waivers for the purpose of assigning him to their AHL camp.

New Jersey GM Ray Shero is the former Penguins general manager and was in charge when the Penguins signed the undrafted Dea to a three-year entry-level contract in Sept. 2017. Also, former Penguins Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald, who oversaw the WBS Penguins until 2015, is the current New Jersey assistant general manager.

Dea, 24, was stuck in the AHL with the Penguins because of the deep pool of talented centers. Dea played five games in the NHL last season and scored one goal, his first NHL goal. In Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Dea scored 50 points (18g, 32a).

Kevin Rooney, 24, is currently projected to be Devils’ fourth line center. Rooney has only five games NHL experience and posted only 34 points in the AHL last season. It is currently unknown if Dea will become the Devils fourth line center, but it looks possible.

Dea is 5-foot-11, 175 pounds. Dea set a career high in AHL points last season, though his career high in goals was in 2015-16 (20). The Penguins signed Dea after three years with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies of the QMJHL.