Devils sign free agent Schwab

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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 8 (UPI) -- Corey Schwab began his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils and has returned to back up Martin Brodeur as general manager Lou Lamoriello announced his signing Monday.

"Corey Schwab is a veteran who has spent a number of years as a backup goaltender," Lamoriello said. "He was with our organization for five seasons and is familiar with our hockey team."

The Devils had a need for a backup goaltender after John Vanbiesbrouck retired again and they sent J.F. Damphousse to Anaheim along with Petr Sykora and Mike Commodore this past weekend in the deal for Oleg Tverdovsky and Jeff Friesen.

Schwab, 31, spent the 2001-02 season with Toronto and went 12-10-5 with one shutout and a 2.73 goals-against average in 30 games.

A 10th-round pick of the Devils in 1990, Schwab began his career with them by posting a 2.18 ERA in 10 games during the 1995-96 season. He was traded to Tampa Bay in June 1996 and also played with Atlanta and Vancouver.