Devils file for team-elected arbitration with Zach Parise, still seek long-term deal

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils have filed for arbitration with restricted free-agent Zach Parise.

Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello says the NHL team made the move to protect its rights, adding it will continue to work to sign the star left wing to a long-term contract.

The move means that Parise will be awarded a one-year contract in arbitration and become unrestricted July 1, 2012, unless he reaches a new deal with New Jersey.

Parise missed most of this past season after having surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in early November. He returned late in the season for a game.

Prior to his injury, Parise had been the catalyst of the Devils' offence for four seasons, scoring 146 goals.

Lamoriello gave no clues when the Devils will hire a coach to replace the retired Jacques Lemaire.