David Clarkson didn't miss a single playoff game during the Devils' run to the Stanley Cup finals, but the right winger discovered afterwards that he played with a fractured foot.



No offseason surgery was necessary and Clarkson should be ready for training camp in mid-September if players aren't locked out by the NHL during negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

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“I had a bad foot at the beginning of the playoffs and I hurt it again at the end,” Clarkson said today. “Emotions are high during the playoffs and you can play through it, but then you realize you’re still sore a couple of weeks after it’s over. “It was a fracture so I just stayed off it and relaxed this summer, if you can call it that. You can call me a sore loser.” Clarkson, who scored 30 goals during the regular season, had 12 points (three goals, nine assists) in 24 playoff games. All three of his goals were game-winners. Sharing the duties as Devils’ player representative, Clarkson took part in several meetings between the Players’ Association and NHL. “In Toronto I did sit in on a couple meetings,” he said. “You hope and you believe everything works itself out, but I have no idea what will happen.” The two sides continue to be far apart with less than a month before the current CBA expires Sept. 15. Teammate Adam Larsson is hopeful. “I hope they can fix it and we start the schedule on time,” the 19-year-old defenseman said from his home in Sweden. “If not, I’ll discuss what I’ll do with Lou (Lamoriello).” Clarkson acknowledged that it has been a difficult offseason for the Devils, who lost free agent Zach Parise and assistant coaches Larry Robinson and Adam Oates. “When you lose a guy like Zach, it’s a huge loss. Definitely a big loss for the organization,” he said. “I came in at the same time as Zach and he was a natural leader. He wanted to go home (to Minnesota) and be by family and friends. We’ll be okay.” Robinson left to take a job with the San Jose Sharks. “I was a little bit shocked,” Clarkson said. “That’s another big hole to fill. Larry Robinson was one of the nicest men. I have more respect for him than anybody. I wish him good luck.” Oates is now head coach of the Washington Capitals. “I’m happy for Oatsie. He’s a smart hockey mind,” he said. “We don’t have him, but he’ll do well in Washington. I sent a text and wished him good luck.”