Alex Ovechkin, Mark Fayne

Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mark Fayne (right) defends Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin during an Oct. 22 game in Edmonton. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Jason Franson)

PHILADELPHIA — The walk into Wells Fargo Center Tuesday was the same one that Mark Fayne made for years during his visits with the Devils.

This one had a different feel. Flyers-Edmonton Oilers games just aren't the same as Flyers-Devils.

After four seasons with the Devils, some of them as a top-pair defenseman, Fayne moved on last summer. On July 1, the first day of the unrestricted free agent signing period, Fayne landed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Oilers.

This move to Western Canada has been enjoyable thus far - "I like the city, I like the team," he maintains - but his change of address wasn't what he wanted.

"At the end of the season I was really hoping to stay with Jersey," Fayne told NJ.com after Tuesday's morning skate. "Once we started talking, I kind of realized it wasn't really an option."

Fayne was disappointed but not surprised when Devils GM Lou Lamoriello failed to make a real effort to re-sign him.

He knew young defensemen had become an organizational strength. Fayne witnessed Eric Gelinas and Jon Merrill showing a lot of promise as rookies last season, he knew Adam Larrsson is still young and he'd heard 2014-15 rookie Damon Severson was highly touted.

"They have a lot of guys in the pipeline that they're trying to play," Fayne said. "They've got a lot of talent back there."

He's not bitter even though he's still fairly young as well as 27, but he misses being around his old Devils teammates every day, especially former defense partner Andy Greene.

"I played with him for three years pretty much," Fayne said. "We had a lot of chemistry. We rode to the rink together. We're good friends off the ice, too. It made it easy playing with him. We could talk about a lot of stuff."

Fayne and Greene still keep in touch regularly, and Fayne is looking forward to catching up in person later this month when the Devils visit Edmonton.

Mark Fayne was a Devils defenseman for his first four NHL seasons, from 2010-11 through 2013-14. (Saed Hindash / The Star-Ledger)

At the same time, the stay-at-home defenseman has moved on. In 11 games, he has a goal and two assists, a team-high 21 blocked shots and is a minus-2.

Thus far, his ice time is slightly down, as the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder is averaging 17:05 per game - lowest among Oilers defensemen - after averaging 18:48 during his four Devils seasons, including 18:19 last season.

No matter, he's content.

"I'm enjoying myself," Fayne said.

Fayne feels the same about his time with the Devils, even last season when they missed the playoffs for the second year in a row. Being teammates to two all-time greats, Martin Brodeur and Jaromir Jagr, made every day at the rink a treat.

He was amazed watching Jagr, new to the Devils last season, leading them in scoring and outworking everyone in his 40s.

"It was crazy," Fayne said. "And he's doing well again for them this season. Jagr's one of those guys who has found the fountain of youth somewhere."

As for Brodeur, the NHL's all-time winningest goalie, Fayne hopes we see more from the 42-year-old, who is out of work but still looking after 21 seasons as a Devil.

"For his sake, if Marty's looking to play again, I hope he finds a team," Fayne said. "I still think he has the ability to be a No. 1 or No. 2 goalie somewhere. I know a lot of Devils fans would be a little disappointed, but if he wants to play, go for it."

Fayne is embracing his change, which was a big one for a guy who's lived on the East Coast his whole life. He was born in New Hampshire, raised in Boston, went to college at Providence and played his first four NHL seasons in New Jersey.

"There was a little adjustment period, but it wasn't too tough because I'm a single guy," Fayne said. "I really didn't have to move a family or anything and be on the road a decent amount."

Deciding to go to a franchise that has missed the playoffs eight seasons in a row wasn't easy. He admits being hesitant until hearing about some of the Oilers' offseason changes, such as the addition of Craig Ramsey to the coaching staff.

"It was thought about," Fayne said, "but then once I looked at the people they were bringing into the system, I felt comfortable and felt like they were moving in the right direction."

Three of the Oilers' forwards are recent first overall draft picks - Taylor Hall (2010), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2011) and Nail Yakupov (2012). They also have two other high-scoring forwards, Jordan Eberle and David Perron, plus a lot of potential in young blueliners Justin Schultz and prospect Darnell Nurse.

"I really don't think it's rebuilding anymore. They've got all the pieces. Now it's time to do it."

Randy Miller may be reached at rmiller@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com Philadelphia Sports on Facebook.