Brendan Shanahan ready for 22nd NHL season, but will it be with New Jersey Devils?

by Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

Monday July 27, 2009, 12:31 PM

There is enough interest around the league in Brendan Shanahan that the veteran winger is already looking forward to training camp and his 22nd NHL season.

But agent Rick Curran wouldn't say on Monday if Shanahan and the Devils were getting close to a deal. Shanahan, 40, is an unrestricted free agent.

"I have nothing to report at this time," Curran said. "I'm encouraged to the extent that I know Brendan will be playing this year. That's all I'm prepared to say."

Asked to characterize talks with the Devils, Curran said: "I can't."

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello has said he'd like to bring Shanahan back at the right price. He also said the decision would hinge on discussions with new head coach Jacques Lemaire.

Curran said he didn't know if a decision on Shanahan's future would happen in the next few days or weeks, but said the future Hall of Famer would be reporting to an NHL training camp. He will not have to wait until mid-season before being signed, as he did last season.

"No. Not at all," Curran said.

I am really excited to have him back and now that that rumor is confirmed i cant wait I think he is a huge addition to the fourth or third line what ever one lou puts him on he will help ALOT

He is still very talented, but I really don't like this. When they get to that age I think they should step aside and call it a successful career. Him staying could wreck his name Especially if he performs like Sundin did. It's also takes a position away from a youger talent.

yeah true but he brings experience and leadership to the lower lines he may not have the physical edge anymore but hell he stil has the mental edge and true I see your point and staying to long and wrecking such a great career but I think he did well last season for the Devils not his normal but still a great addition to the New Jersey Franchise.

He is old but he will act as a leader in the team,i think,and his abundant experience can make the team and team members become better!That's his worth!

yeah true he will add that leadership factor to people will look at him and see what he is doing and then they to will be influenced to take there game to a new level

you'r right guys, every team needs that experienced player or "leader". But like I said if you can call it and have a great career behind you, is it really worth taking the risk. Not even wrecking his name but what if he gets injured, Then what??

Yeah true you do have a point

Its sad to see such a great player pull himself off the team. recently Shanahan said after doing drills with all the young rookies that he is not playing the best he wants to play so he pulled himself from the roster to give the rookies of the new Jersey devils a chance to get more ice time and to get better. Smart move its just sad to see such a great player leave the team he was a good leader.