Oduya back in the fold before free agency

July 1, 3:28 PMNew Jersey Devils ExaminerJoe Rizzo

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Johnny Oduya
 (New Jersey Devils)

When you have a player you want to keep, it's best to never let him hit the open market.  It helps when the player wants to stay.

The Devils re-signed defenseman Johnny Oduya the day before free agecy opened, never letting him hit freedom.  The team said the deal is a multi-year contract, while numerous sources are reporting it to be three years for a total of $10.5 million, or $3.5 million per season.

Although he does not have the name recognition of Jay Bouwmeester, Oduya has become a standout on the back line in his three seasons with New Jersey.  Oduya, 27, did not miss any of the Devils' 82 regular-season or seven playoff games last season.  He had seven goals and 22 assists, all during the regular campaign.  The Swede was plus-24 overall, including plus-3 in the playoff defeat against Carolina.

The defense is now essentially complete and will look the same as last season, barring additions or trades.  Andy Greene was allowed to become an unrestircted free agent because the Devils did not tender him a qualifying offer by 5 p.m. June 30, although general manager Lou Lamoriello worked out something to bring back Greene after he hit the market.

Sounds like Greene did something off the ice to help the team, as this has the feel of an administrative move.

In addition, New Jersey acquired Ben Walter, a 25-year-old center, from the Islanders for center Tony Romano, a Long Island native.  The Devils also received a conditional draft choice in 2012. They signed Walter for next season at a half-million dollars and will give the veteran of 22 NHL games a chance to make the team.

NOTES: Wings Zach Parise and Jamie Langenbrunner, and defenseman Paul Martin were invited to Woodridge, Ill. for a three-day orientation camp in mid-August for the U.S. Olympic hockey team.  A total of 34 players were invited.