Stephen Gionta, who made a major impact during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs as a key piece of the Devils' fourth line, signed an American Hockey League contract today with Albany.

Gionta, 29, signed a two-year contract with the Devils back on June 29. It was a one-way deal for this season at $525,000 and a two-way contract in 2013-14 for $600,000. He is eligible to sign with the AHL club because he was on Albany's 22-man "clear day list" for 2012.

“It wasn’t really a difficult decision. They approached us and I thought the timing was right," Gionta told me. "It’s unfortunate the lockout is still going on but I’m thankful for the opportunity to get back and play some games. I also get the opportunity to help out the team the best I can. The organization has been great to me since I turned pro.”

Gionta is the AHL Devils' all-time leader for points (135), goals (56), assists (79), shots (815) and games played (360). He served as team captain for four of the last five seasons. In 2011-12, he appeared in 56 games, producing 16 points with six goals and 10 assists before being recalled by New Jersey on April 5.

He scored his first NHL goal on April 7 against the Ottawa Senators and 10 days later scored his first Stanley Cup playoff goal in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against the Florida Panthers. Gionta appeared in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games. He registered seven points with three goals and four assists.

His Stanley Cup performance looked like it might be a breakthrough for Gionta.

“There’s never a good time for a labor dispute, but for me personally this wasn’t good," Gionta said. "It’s unfortunate that the business aspect of the game has taken over for so long now with this lockout. It’s something I think just got out of control. We need to figure it out quickly.”

If the lockout ends, Gionta would immediately be back on the Devils' NHL roster.

Albany has struggled this season and the injury to Adam Henrique over Thanksgiving weekend didn't help. Henrique will be out 4-6 weeks with ligament damage in his left thumb.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Gionta played four seasons for Boston College of Hockey East between 2002-06 and was an assistant captain his senior year. He skated in 149 career contests for the Eagles, registering 90 points, including 33 goals and 57 assists. During his time at Boston College, the Eagles made two Frozen Four appearances and played in the 2006 national championship game.

The players on Albany's 2012 clear day list were: Jeff Frazee, Keith Kinkaid, Matt Anderson, Matthew Corrente, Eric Gelinas, Gionta, Peter Harrold

Mike Hoeffel, Dan Kelly, Jay Leach, Brad Mills, Nathan Perkovich, Tim Sestito

Mike Sislo, Matt Taormina, Mattias Tedenby, Alexander Urbom, Joe Whitney, Chad Wiseman

Darcy Zajac, Steve Zalewski, Vladimir Zharkov.

Taormina is now playing for the Syracuse Crunch (AHL).

Rich Chere: rchere@starledger.com; twitter.com/Ledger_NJDevils