EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Goaltender Martin Brodeur, a cornerstone on one of the NHL's most successful teams, has signed a five-year contract extension with the New Jersey Devils.
The deal is worth $40 million over five years. The Devils hold an $8 million option on the final year of the contract.
Brodeur was entering the final year of a four-year, $16 million contract that he signed in December 1997. He was elgible to become a restricted free agent following this season, and reportedly had been pushing for a new deal.
Brodeur, 29, is one of the NHL's top goaltenders, having led the Devils to a pair of Stanley Cup titles. He also guided them to the Finals last season, where they lost to the Colorado Avalanche in seven games.
Making a commitment on a long-term deal is not something the Devils are known for. In previous seasons, the club has lost or traded numerous players due to contract squabbles, including wingers Bill Guerin and Brian Rolston, and centers Doug Gilmour Brendan Morrison.
After reaching the Finals last season, the Devils failed to come to a new contract with high-scoring right wing Alexander Mogilny, who led the club with 43 goals. Mogilny eventually signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent.
Last season, Brodeur led the NHL with 42 wins, joining Terry Sawchuk and Jacques Plante as the only goalies in NHL history with three 40-win campaigns.
A six-time All-Star and possibly the best puck-handling goalie in NHL history, Brodeur has led the league in wins each of the last four seasons. His 167 victories over that span is an NHL record.
Brodeur, a Montreal native, has a career record of 286-142-76 with a 2.21 goals-against average, posting 51 shutouts in 519 games. He also is 65-44 with a 1.91 GAA in the postseason.
Brodeur was a member of the 1998 Canadian Olympic Team and will be on the squad during the Winter Games at Salt Lake City February.
