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Devils forward Adam Henrique remains unsigned.

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

In a summer of surprises for the Devils, add the ongoing contract talks involving forward Adam Henrique.

Although both sides expect a deal to be finalized before the opening of training camp in just over 2 1/2 weeks, Henrique is still not signed.

"Not yet," general manager Lou Lamoriello said today. "We're still working on that."

Why so long to wrap up a deal?

"If I had an answer for that, it would have been done," Lamoriello said.

Back in mid-July both sides said they expected a contract to be completed in short order, but that hasn't happened.

The Devils announced that rookies will report for physicals Sept. 9 and will be on the ice Sept. 10. Veterans will have physicals Sept. 11 and will take the ice the following day.

"It is coming soon," Lamoriello said. "This is the time of year when you start getting anxious to see where the players are at and what the new players will be like."

Lamoriello said he does not expect to spring any surprises and invite a notable player or two to training camp on a tryout basis.

"No, not right now. We're status quo with the players everyone knows," the GM said. "I'm hoping the surprises will be one or two of our players who emerge as a surprise in camp."