The Devils signed ex-Ranger Kevin Weekes to back up Martin Brodeur, with indications that Weekes will receive more than the four starts Scott Clemmensen had.
The second Devils’ signing from the Rangers (Karel Rachunek) since the Blueshirts grabbed Scott Gomez on Sunday, Weekes will make $1.375 million over two seasons.
Perhaps more significantly, Devils defenseman Paul Martin did not elect salary arbitration, which could have made him an unrestricted free agent next summer. Such a move suggests the Devils are close to signing Martin to a long-term deal.
Weekes’ two-season stay with the Rangers saw Henrik Lundqvist take over as the No. 1, with Weekes left in the backup role. He played in only 14 games (4-6-2, 3.39) last season after appearing in 32 (14-14-3. 2.95) the prior year. The 32-year-old is 96-156-38 in 323 career games, with a 2.90 goals against average. Weekes took over from Arturs Irbe to win the final two games when the Hurricanes upset the Devils in 2002.
The Rangers announced they agreed to contract terms with winger Petr Prucha, a restricted free agent, who signed a two-year deal at $1.6 million per.
Sean Avery and Marcel Hossa of the Rangers each elected salary arbitration.
