Johnny Oduya expected to finalize new deal with New Jersey

It appears the Devils will be able to keep highly-regarded defenseman Johnny Oduya from testing the market when the free agency period officially begins at noon Wednesday.

Oduya has been priority No. 1 for Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, who said Monday night that a deal with the speedy defenseman could be finalized Tuesday. Lamoriello and agent Don Meehan are believed to be close to a multi-year contract at about $3 million per season.

“I think that’s close,” Lamoriello said Monday night about re-signing Oduya.

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