The New Jersey Devils have to be disappointed with their performance in this season’s Stanley Cup Finals after bowing-out to Los Angeles in six games, but they still exceeded most people’s expectations with their playoff run through the Eastern Conference.

Parise inks deal with Minnesota

New Jersey opened the offseason optimistic that it could find a way to resign its captain Zach Parise to a new contract, but that was not the case as the All-Star forward opted to jump at the chance to return to his Minnesota roots by signing a 13-year deal with the Wild. He will join defenseman Ryan Suter, who also signed a long-term deal with the Wild, to immediately make Minnesota a legitimate contender for next season’s Stanley Cup. The Devils’ odds to win a title took a major hit with the loss of Parise as Bovada now has them as 28/1 longshots.

 

26 JUN
Does Brodeur Return?

By: David Schwab

 

Martin Brodeur2012 NHL Draft

New Jersey had the 29th overall pick in the first round of last month’s NHL draft and decided to select USA center Stefan Matteau. He spent this past season with the US National Team Development Program and recorded 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) in 46 games. This was his second season in the program after scoring four goals and adding five assists in 28 games in the 2010/2011 season.

The Devils next pick was the 60th overall selection of the second round. They chose 6-foot-2, 190 pound Canadian defenseman Damon Severson, who has shown tremendous promise as the age of just 17. New Jersey added another USA prospect at center/left wing with the selection of Ben Johnson in the third round and picked-up Canadian winger Benjamin Thomson early in the fourth. It added two more Canadian centers in the fifth round; Graham Black and Alexander Kerfoot. The Devils wrapped things up with the selection of center Artur Garvus in the sixth round.

Brodeur to remain a Devil

Long-time veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur, who breathed new life into his career with a stellar performance in the postseason, ended any speculation that he might test the free-agent market this offseason. He will be back with New Jersey for the next two seasons after reportedly coming to terms with the team on a deal that is worth $9 million. The 40-year old netminder confirmed that he was returning to the team in a recent interview with ESPN.com’s Pierre Lebrun.

Brodeur has played his entire career with New Jersey and has posted 656 victories in 1,191 games. Both Chicago and Toronto had expressed an interest in possibly signing the future Hall of Famer, but this deal should ensure that he will finish his storied NHL career as a New Jersey Devil.

Other free-agent signings

New Jersey is making every effort to keep its roster intact for another run at the Stanley Cup next season. The status of All-Star center Zach Parise remains up in the air, but the Devils did come to terms with five other players whose existing contract had expired at the end of the season. Back with the team are forwards Steve Bernier, Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta, and Cam Janssen along with defenseman Peter Harrold.

Fayne out for four months after wrist surgery

It has been reported that New Jersey defensemen Mark Fayne will be out of action anywhere from three to four months after having a ligament repaired in left wrist. In 82 games this season, he scored four goals and added 13 assists.