Don't expect the Devils to sign Paul Martin before the NHL free agency market begins at noon (ET) Thursday.

Although it is very possible Martin will eventually choose to stay with the Devils, the two sides have not been able to work out a new deal and the talented defenseman is anxious to see his market value.

"I've spoken to Lou (Lamoriello) on a few different occasions," said former Devils player Ben Hankinson, who represents Martin. "It's obviously been a very frustrating year for Paulie and the Devils. There will probably be some more changes. Time will tell if he ends up back in New Jersey.

"It's not really that Paul wants to leave. It's almost like Lou with Johnny MacLean. He took his time to see what his options were, even though Johnny Mac may have been his first choice, and then Lou made his decision."

Hankinson said he plans to speak to Lamoriello again Wednesday. But the two sides are not close to an agreement to avoid free agency.

"If Paulie does go to July 1, it doesn't mean he's ruling out the Devils," Hankinson said. "New Jersey has been good to him. It's just that it was a tough year with his injury and missing the Olympics. It was like there was a cloud over his head."

Lamoriello was unavailable for comment.