By MARK EVERSON

Avoiding an arbitration case that could have left the sort of scars that prompted Doug Gilmour, Bobby Holik and Scott Gomez to depart, the Devils today announced the signing of restricted free agent Travis Zajac to a multiyear contract.

“During his previous three seasons in the National Hockey League, Travis Zajac has proven to be among the top young players in the game, and has developed into one of the core players on our team,” Lou Lamoriello said in a statement. “We are pleased that we were able to work out a long-term agreement.”

Zajac, 24, elected to go to arbitration after his 20-42-62 season. The first-round (20th overall) pick in 2004 stands at the top of the Devils’ depth chart at center.