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Johan Hedberg (left) will no longer share the Devils' goaltending with Martin Brodeur.

(Ed Mulholland/USA Today)

Goalie Johan Hedberg planned to leave for his home in Sweden today, saying he "needs to think a little bit" about his immediate future after the Devils acquired Cory Schneider from the Vancouver Canucks to share the goaltending duties with Martin Brodeur.



Classy as always, Hedberg chose not to give interviews as he dealt with the turn of events. But he did meet with Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello, who brought up the strong possibility of a compliance buyout of the remaining one year ($1.4 million) on his contract.



"Right now we'll have to see exactly what happens with Heddy," Lamoriello said. "He and I have sat down. We spent some time together. We have some options, which I'd rather not get into. It was a private and confidential conversation. I don't think anything will be done right away."



Lamoriello completed the trade for Schneider Saturday but managed to keep it a secret until Sunday's NHL entry draft. The Devils' gave up their first-round pick (ninth overall) and were able to stun the Prudential Center crowd with the announcement.



It also stunned Hedberg.



"This is probably as quality an individual as you could ever possibly be around," Lamoriello said. "He understood 100 percent. There is no issue between Johan Hedberg and myself."



Although the Devils see Schneider as their goalie of the future, he has only two years remaining on his contract. They'd like to lock him up long-term, but the NHL CBA does not allow extensions until there is only one season remaining on a contract.



"We can't look ahead until next year some time," the GM confirmed.



Lamoriello would like to improve the Devils even more when free agency begins at 12 noon (ET) Friday.



"We're certainly going to look at everything," he said. "There is nothing that can be left unturned. That's what these three or four days are for. We're watching to see if there are any more buyouts and who becomes available."



The Devils need to add some offense and they are questionable at center.



"There is no question you can never have too much offense," Lamoriello said. "Whatever we can do to strengthen our offense we have to do."



He said the team's defense, in particularl the group of defensemen, is capable.



"I think it is. Our biggest concern will be where the younger players that need an opportunity are. We may have to do something with the older players. Those decisions will be made at the appropriate time.



"The prospects—(Jon) Merrill, (Alex) Urbom, (Eric) Gelinas—are pretty good prospects."

Lamoriello indicated that he hopes to keep potential unrestricted free agent Marek Zidlicky.



"He's still in the plans," he said.

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Lamoriello confirmed what was first reported in The Star-Ledger that the deal to re-sign Patrik Elias is almost complete.

