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Clarkson has ‘no idea’ if he’ll re-sign with the Devils

2012 Stanley Cup Final - Media Day

NEWARK, NJ - MAY 29: David Clarkson #23 of the New Jersey Devils speaks during Media Day for the 2012 Stanley Cup Final at Prudential Center on May 29, 2012 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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David Clarkson wants to stay with the New Jersey Devils.

He just doesn’t know if it will happen.

Clarkson, 29, is a pending unrestricted free agent with 14 goals and nine assists in 46 games. Last season, he scored a career-high 30 times in the regular season.

“I don’t know where I’ll be [next season]. I have no idea what will end up happening,” Clarkson told The Star-Ledger today. “There haven’t been any negotiations between Mr. (Lou) Lamoriello and my agent. I’ve had no decisions to make yet.”

If Clarkson tests the open market, he’ll be one of the top forwards available under the age of 30.

The fact he’s never signed a particularly big NHL contract may also make him drive a hard bargain. Who knows if the opportunity will present itself again?

It doesn’t sound like he’ll be persuaded to leave New Jersey easily though:

“What better situation could there be? I have a coach (Pete DeBoer) I’ve had since I was young who I believe, besides my father, has been the biggest part of my hockey career. And Mr. Lamoriello was the first GM to give me an opportunity.”

Related: Elias wants to remain a Devil, ‘but I understand the business side’