Defenseman Siegenthaler signs surprising long-term $17 million deal

This just in, the New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler to a five year contract extension worth $17 million. Siegenthaler's new deal, which begins in the 2023-24 season, will carry a $3.4 million cap hit.

Check it out:

Now, if you're like me you're sitting here thinking, "Huh... $17 million for... Jonas Siegenthaler!?!?!" 

I'll admit that I'm not as up on Devils hockey as I am on most other teams, but this guy was nearly completely under my radar. $3.4 million per season and I've barely seen him play? What gives?

Well, it turns out that Devils fans are actually pretty stoked on this signing, despite my ignorance. The 25 year old Siegenthaler established himself as one of the better defensive defenseman in the game last season with somewhat of a breakout campaign. He managed career highs across the board with 14 points and 92 blocked shots. He led the Devils' defense in hits and was third in the team in time on ice. He's a prototypical passing lane and shot blocking blueliner who isn't afraid to use his 6', 2" and 220 lbs frame out there. He's also an underrated skater and a crisp passer. He may not be walking the PP blueline  like teammate Dougie Hamilton anytime soon, but he's still a valuable contributor to the Devils' D corps and now he's locked up to a long term deal at a reasonable cap hit.

Still... I can't help but feel like if a Siegenthaler can get $17 million on a five year deal then how has a guy like John Klingberg not yet been signed?