At least there’s one guy the Devils aren’t losing. Sources say junior defenseman Phil Cole is passing up his chance to re-enter the draft to sign with New Jersey.

The Devils’ fourth-round pick in 2000, the 6-4 Winnipeg native was impressive at the Devils’ training camp last fall. He spent last year with three Western League clubs, Lethbridge, Vancouver and Medicine Hat, making the circuit with fellow Devil draftee Warren McCutcheon.

Still 19, Cole could have re-entered next month’s draft but is believed to have agreed to contract terms with the Devils.

On another Devil front, Scott Gomez reports that his broken hand has healed to the point where he can play tennis.