Devils Re-Sign 5 Including Cam Janssen

[Boston Garden]

Newark, NJ – The New Jersey Devils today re-signed five players to new contracts: forwards Steve Bernier, Ryan Carter, Stephen Gionta and Cam Janssen; and defenseman Peter Harrold. The announcement was made by Devils’ President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed.

Bernier, 27, enters his second season with the Devils’ organization and eighth NHL campaign overall, after attending the team’s 2011 training camp on a tryout basis. He was signed to a two-way contract January 30, 2012 after previously signing with Albany October 27. This past season, the 6-3, 220-lb. forward appeared in 17 regular-season AHL games (3g-3a-6pts) and 32 NHL regular-season matches (1g-5a-6pts). Bernier also appeared in all 24 post-season games en-route to the Stanley Cup Finals (2g-5a-7pts). His career totals show 77 goals and 88 assists for 165 points and 213 penalty minutes in 417 regular-season games with San Jose, Buffalo, Vancouver, Florida and New Jersey. The native of Quebec City, Que. has also seen AHL action with Cleveland and Worcester. He was named to the 2002 QMJHL All-Rookie Team and 2003/2004 QMJHL Second All-Star Teams. Bernier was San Jose’s second choice and 16th overall selection in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Carter, 28, enters his second season with the Devils and seventh pro season overall. He was claimed off waivers by New Jersey October 26, 2011 after beginning the year with Florida. The 6-1, 200-lb. forward saw action in 72 regular-season games in 2011-12, recording four goals and four assists for eight points and 90 penalty minutes. Carter added five goals and two assists for seven points and 32 penalty minutes in 23 playoff games, including two game-winning goals. His NHL totals show 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points and 275 penalty minutes in 254 career regular-season games with Anaheim, Carolina, Florida and New Jersey. Born August 3, 1983 in White Bear Lake, MN, he made his pro debut with Portland (AHL) in 2006-07. Carter also played two seasons with Minnesota State-Mankato (WCHA) and two years with Green Bay (USHL).

Gionta, 28, enters his seventh season with the Devils’ organization, having seen action during each of the last two seasons with both Albany and New Jersey. In 2011-12, he posted six goals and ten assists for 16 points and 40 penalty minutes in 56 AHL games. The 5-7, 185-lb. forward made his 2011-12 NHL debut in the April 7 regular-season finale and recorded the game-winner, marking his first career NHL goal. Gionta appeared in all 24 post-season contests, posting three goals and four assists for seven points and four penalty minutes. Born October 9, 1983 in Rochester, NY, he is the AHL Devils’ all-time leader in games played (360), goals (56), assists (79) and points (135). He played four seasons at Boston College from 2002-03 through 2005-06, totaling 33 goals and 57 assists for 90 points in 151 games. Gionta made two trips to the Frozen Four and was a member of the Eagles’ 2005 Hockey East Championship team. Stephen is the younger brother of former Devils’ forward Brian Gionta.

Janssen, 28, became the 22nd player in Devils’ history to be re-acquired and see action with the team. He recorded one assist and 75 penalty minutes while appearing in 48 regular-season games last season. The 6-0, 215-lb. forward re-signed with New Jersey on July 14, 2011 after spending the previous three-plus seasons with St. Louis. Janssen’s NHL totals show three goals and eight assists for 11 points and 750 penalty minutes in 308 career regular-season games. He began his pro career with Albany in 2004-05, and made his NHL debut the following season. Born April 15, 1984 in St. Louis, MO, he was selected by New Jersey in the fourth round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Janssen played three-plus seasons with Windsor (OHL), prior to completing his junior career with Guelph (OHL) in 2003-04.

Harrold, 29, enters his second season with the Devils’ organization and seventh professional campaign overall. He split 2011-12 between Albany (AHL) and New Jersey, appearing in 61 games for the AHL Devils (5g-21a-26pts) and 11 NHL regular-season contests (2a). The 6-0, 190-lb. defenseman also added four assists in 17 post-season games. Harrold originally signed with the club August 12, 2011 after spending the previous five seasons with the Kings’ organization. He has compiled eight goals and 20 assists for 28 points and 50 penalty minutes in 175 career NHL regular-season appearances. Born June 8, 1983 in Kirtland Hills, OH, he spent four seasons at Boston College (HE), where he played in two Frozen Four tournaments, and was a member of the Eagles’ 2005 Hockey East Championship squad. Harrold has also seen action with Manchester (AHL), and three seasons with Cleveland (NAHL).

[NJDevils17]

Had a feeling this would happen.

Lou Lamoriello really likes Cam.

[Captain Crunch28]

Great to see! And Eric Boulton still has another year left before he's a UFA.
Love having Boulton and Janssen on a line together.

[chilly666]

why? he doesn't ****ing belong in the nhl. he can't play, his fights are boring as hell and does nothing to help a team. him being a good teammate doesn't cut it as a reason either.

i guess he knows that no one else would want his sorry ass, so he took this deal from the devils.

[HordiBrusk29]

Come on man. Would you rather see a soft ass Euro or North American player signed instead? I'm not even a fan of Janssen but I'd much rather see him in the league than not. Be careful what you wish for....

[chilly666]

im not saying a soft ass euro but there are guys out there (parros, even hordichuk) that can bring a whole hell of a lot more to a team on the ice and along with being a good teammate than janssen.

[Mr. America]

This site is soo ****ing stupid sometimes. A good tough guy gets signed, and somebody has to bitch about it. Tough guys go unsigned or sent to the AHL, and people bitch about it.

Guess you really can't make everybody happy.

[ThrowdownSJ408]

cant believe you would even talk about one of the tough guys left in the game this way.

I am happy for Cam and cant wait for some of those east games again.....Rangers!

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by chilly666

im not saying a soft ass euro but there are guys out there (parros, even hordichuk) that can bring a whole hell of a lot more to a team on the ice and along with being a good teammate than janssen.

Of course there are. But those guys will cost more money. Plus Janssen is familiar with the team and organization. Either way I'm not sure why they need Janssen with Boulton already under contract but I'm not going to complain about a tough guy getting another contract.

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by ThrowdownSJ408

cant believe you would even talk about one of the tough guys left in the game this way.

why not? he's not exciting, he can't play the ****ing game worth a damn and there are better guys available to sign that do more than janssen on a nightly basis.

[Boston Garden]

Originally Posted by chilly666

why not? he's not exciting, he can't play the ****ing game worth a damn and there are better guys available to sign that do more than janssen on a nightly basis.

Well ideally those players will have an easier time finding work elsewhere. I have a feeling Janssen would be out of the league if New Jersey didn't offer him a contract. So lets hope that the players you mentioned find a place to play AND we'll have Janssen around as a bonus.

[bupz91]

Great move NJ!

[vznyisleszv]

he hits, he fights, he starts crap, id take him anyday.

[flyersrule]

Originally Posted by chilly666

why? he doesn't ****ing belong in the nhl. he can't play, his fights are boring as hell and does nothing to help a team. him being a good teammate doesn't cut it as a reason either.

i guess he knows that no one else would want his sorry ass, so he took this deal from the devils.

come on this is a hockey fights site. head over to HF boards or some other random ass hockey board if you dont like the fights.

they signed him because he is a fan favorite in jersey and has been a fan favorite where he has played throughout his career. usually 1 tough guy resigning sets the tone for other teams who may end up having to rethink there plans for FA to include some toughness.

[4thLineGoon]

Good to see, Janssen can definitely hang with anybody regardless of if he has an "exciting" style or not. In a perfect world there would be 30 heavyweights in the league with Probert skill but there aren't, so at least the Devs signed a guy who can scrap with the best of em. His lack of hockey ability sure didn't stop the team from making the Stanley Cup this year did it? Sure he didn't play in the postseason but I'll gladly take Cam out there for half or more of the regular season games throwing the body around and getting into a few scraps.