There will be no rush to judgement when it comes to either re-signing or saying goodbye to unrestricted free agents like Steve Bernier and Scott Gomez. Those decisions, very likely, will wait until a new coach is in place and he voices his preferences.

But Devils general manager Ray Shero hopes to get the signatures of restricted free agents Adam Larsson and Eric Gelinas on contracts as soon as possible.

"They're two important players for the organization," Shero told NJ Advance Media. "It's important for us to build around Adam. We're trying to find some common ground there. It's too early to say where we are there. It's an important contract for him and certainly he's an important part of the team moving forward. Same thing for Gelinas."

Larsson, coming off a solid season in which he flourished once Scott Stevens arrived in late December, will be in line for a significant raise after being part of the Devils' top defense pairing with Andy Greene. Larsson and Gelinas both earned $900,000 last season.

The Devils re-signed Jordin Tootoo to a 1-year, $825,000 deal for next season, but that was an offer on the table from former GM Lou Lamoriello and not really Shero's signing.



Guy Boucher:

Is he at top of Devils' coaching candidates list?

It seems unlikely Shero will want to keep Michael Ryder and Martin Havlat and just as unlikely that either would want to come back. But among the UFAs are Bernier, Gomez, Mark Fraser,

Bryce Salvador

and Peter Harrold.

Shero said there is still time and he has some major decisions such as hiring a new coach and making decisions at the draft table.

"They've got until July 1," Shero said of the unrestricted free agents. "Part of it might have to do with the coach and what I'm thinking. It's on my plate. I just haven't gotten there yet."

Defenseman Steve Santini will remain at Boston College, where he is an alternate captain and hopeful of putting together a solid, injury-free season.

The hope is to sign forward Blake Coleman, the Devils' second pick (75th overall in the third round of the 2011 entry draft), but nothing is done yet.

"Not yet. I'm hopeful. I chatted with his agent at the world championships," Shero noted. "He's got until Aug. 15."

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