"When I traded for Erik, we talked about how he was the type of player that we needed to help us continue to move the group forward," said Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald. "He played key minutes in all situations throughout the season- power play, penalty kill, taking faceoffs- and provided leadership for our team. At the end of the season, he told me how much he wanted to be a part of what we are building here in New Jersey, and I'm glad we could quickly get a deal done that gives him a place to lay down roots with his family."