Martin Brodeur Re-Signs With Devils; Hedberg Too
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Worry no longer, Devils fans. Martin Brodeur isn't going anywhere.
The legendary goalie has re-signed with the Devils, the team announced Monday.
Brodeur, who personally negotiated his previous contract with general manager Lou Lamoriello, hired agent Pat Brisson last week. He decided to test the free-agent waters with the cash-strapped Devils reportedly unable -- at that time -- to make a financial commitment.
Brisson confirmed the pact Monday morning in an email to The Associated Press. Renaud Lavoie of RDS in Canada was first to report the two-year, $9 million deal.
More than likely, the goaltender will finish his career with the Devils.
With their goalie back, the Devils will try to keep left wing Zach Parise. He is the top free agent on the market, and he told reporters Sunday that he may make a decision Monday.
"It was great the Devils stepped up," Brodeur told Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger. "You have to understand what's happening obviously with the ownership situation and with what's happening with Zach. I understood that. I'm just happy this got done.''
The Devils also signed backup goalie Johan Hedberg to a two-year contract Monday. Hedberg, 39, will receive $1.4 million in each season.
Both deals feature no-trade clauses.
Brodeur heard from Toronto and Chicago on Sunday once free agency opened. Admittedly, it was a new experience for him, as contract negotiations haven't often been a sticking point in his career.
Brodeur owns an NHL record with 656 career wins between the pipes. He'll now have a shot at 700 -- all with New Jersey. The veteran has led the Devils to three Stanley Cups and two other finals, including a loss to the Los Angeles Kings in six games this past season.
Devils fans, did you really think he'd sign elsewhere? Be heard in the comments below...
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