Devils file for arbitration with LW Zach Parise

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The New Jersey Devils have filed for arbitration with restricted free agent left wing 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 Parise 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’ offense for four seasons, scoring 146 goals.

Also, Lamoriello gave no clues when the Devils will name a new coach to replace the retired Jacques Lemaire.