New Jersey activates Brodeur

NEWARK, N.J., Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Veteran goaltender Martin Brodeur, who has missed four months of play, was activated off injured reserve Wednesday by the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

Brodeur, in his 16th NHL season, hasn't played since early November when he underwent surgery to repair a torn distal biceps tendon in his left elbow. He could be back on the ice as soon as Thursday when the Devils play Colorado.

Brodeur has won the Vezina Trophy, given each year to the NHL's top goaltender, four times and returns to the roster close to some all-time league records. He is seven wins short of Patrick Roy's record of 551 and five shutouts off the record 103 set by Terry Sawchuk.

Scott Clemmensen had filled in for Brodeur and was 25-13-1 with a 2.39 goals-against average and two shutouts in 40 games. He was assigned to Lowell of the American Hockey League to make room on the roster for Brodeur.