Devils Sign Defenseman Andy Greene Extension

Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland – USA Today

The New Jersey Devils signed veteran defenseman Andy Greene to a five-year extension worth $25 million dollars. Greene’s extension will start in the 2015-2016 NHL season and run through 2019-2020, carrying a cap hit of $5 million annually. He is currently in the final year of a four-year, $12 million dollar deal he signed in the Summer of 2011.

Greene was signed as an undrafted free agent in Summer 2006 and opened up that season in Lowell of the American Hockey League (AHL), eventually ending the year in New Jersey. He was viewed as an offensive defenseman, but has proven to be a top shutdown defenseman in the league. In 477 career games, Greene has 28 goals, 121 assists, and 154 penalty minutes along with three goals, four assists, and 16 penalty minutes in 45 playoff games.

Many believe Greene will succeed Bryce Salvador as the Devils’ team captain. Salvador is currently in the final year of his deal and based on his regression, is unlikely to return to the Devils for the 2015 season. Greene played alongisde Mark Fayne this past season, but Fayne did not return, joining Edmonton on July 1st. Together, the two defensman proved to be one the league’s top shutdown d-pairings, playing against the opposition’s top line and killing penalties.

Now, Greene is the face of the defense and is likely to be other New Jersey defenseman’s mentor and leader. The Devils have young depth in Adam Larsson, Eric Gelinas, Jon Merrill, Damon Severson, Steven Santini and Reece Scarlett. This year, their veteran core consists of Greene, Salvador, Zidlicky and Harrold. Harrold has been in and out of the lineup the past few seasons.

The Devils have probably shocked some fans by signing two key players to extensions this summer, after the failure to lock-up Zach Parise in the summer of 2011. Greene joins Cory Schneider as the two players to sign extensions. Nevertheless, it was a good day to be a New Jersey Devils fan.