New Jersey Devils win 2-1 in a shootout against New York Islanders preseason game on 10.2.14

Winger Jordin Tootoo (74) has earned a spot with the Devils. (Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

(Saed Hindash)

NEWARK — The Devils plan to sign winger Jordin Tootoo to a contract Tuesday, but have asked center Scott Gomez to remain with the club as an unsigned player until a spot on the roster opens.

GM Lou Lamoriello said Steve Bernier and Cam Janssen, who did not practice with the Devils Tuesday, will be assigned to Albany (AHL) if they clear waivers at noon.

Defenseman Peter Harrold, who is practicing, is also on waivers.

“We have three players on waivers. Cam Janssen and Steve Bernier are not practicing today. If they clear waivers they will be going to Albany,” Lamoriello said. “Peter Harrold is practicing until we make a final roster decision.

“We will not have a roster until 5 o’clock tonight. We will be submitting it between 4 and 5 p.m.”

Lamoriello does not expect any problems signing Tootoo.

“We will be sitting down with Tootoo some time today. He has not signed a contract to this point,” the GM said. “We have had preliminary discussions. Nothing concrete.

“As far as Scotty, we will recommend that he stays and practices like a taxi squad practice. We have had that conversation. If you remember in the past, Tommy Albelin did that. Scotty has had a tremendous camp. He is in great shape and has shown he can still play, but right now there is no roster spot in that role that he has.”

Lamoriello said the roster he submits to the NHL later Tuesday may not be the one the Devils have when they open the season Thursday night in Philadelphia. That suggests a trade could be in the works.

As far as opening the season with just six defensemen, Lamoriello said it is “very unlikely” and he does not anticipate putting any players on waivers Tuesday.

“Not at this point,” he said.

The Devils' practice lines:

Mike Cammalleri-Travis Zajac-Jaromir Jagr

Martin Havlat-Patrik Elias-Dainius Zubrus

Ryane Clowe-Adam Henrique-Michael Ryder

Tuomo Ruutu-Stephen Gionta-Jordin Tootoo

Damien Brunner-Scott Gomez-Jacob Josefson

Defense

Andy Greene-Damon Severson

Eric Gelinas-Jon Merrill

Bryce Salvador-Marek Zidlicky

Peter Harrold-Adam Larsson

Goalies

Cory Schneider

Scott Clemmensen

* * *

Travis Zajac left the ice during practice with a lower body injury. Lamoriello said it is nothing serious.

Gomez took Zajac's spot.

Although Zajac did not return, Lamoriello said "he'll be fine."

Rich Chere may be reached at rchere@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @Ledger_NJDevils. Find NJ.com on Facebook.