Parise, Devils reach terms on one-year contract, working toward multi-year deal

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils have reached an agreement with high-scoring left-winger Zach Parise on a one-year-contract worth US$6 million.

In making the announcement late Friday, Devils president and general manager Lou Lamoriello said the two sides were continuing to work toward a multi-year deal. The Devils had filed for arbitration with Parise in June. He would have become an unrestricted free agent in 2012 had he not reached a new deal.

Parise earned $5 million last season, a year in which he was limited to 13 games and three goals by a knee injury that required surgery. He had been the catalyst of the Devils' offence the previous four seasons, scoring 146 goals.

Without Parise, the Devils struggled. A late flurry could not prevent New Jersey from missing the post-season for the first time since 1996.

The Devils also hired a coach on Friday, adding Dave Barr as an assistant. He'll join Larry Robinson, Adam Oates, and Chris Terreri on Peter DeBoer's staff.

"Dave Barr has had a successful post-playing career for 16 years on many levels," Lamoriello said. "We were fortunate to have him as a player in New Jersey for two years, and look forward to have him joining us as a member of our coaching staff."

Barr, 50, joins the Devils after spending two years as an assistant with Minnesota.

A native of Toronto, Barr played in 103 games for New Jersey from 1991-93. He had 12 goals, 32 points and 93 penalty minutes. Barr appeared in five games during the 1993 Patrick Division semifinals vs. Pittsburgh, and played in 71 career post-season games overall.