NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils are keeping Johnny Oduya away from the free-agent market, agreeing to terms with the defenceman on a new contract.
The team said Tuesday that Oduya has agreed to a three-year, $10.5-million deal. The 27-year-old defenceman had career highs with seven goals, 22 assists and 29 points last season - his third in the NHL.
Devils president Lou Lamoriello says Oduya "has developed into one of the more talented young defencemen in the National Hockey League."
Oduya could have become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.