At least this Fourth Of July looks a lot better for the Devils than the last one did. For it was one year ago today that captain Zach Parise left NJ to get hometown money in Minnesota. This year though, the Devils’ all time leading scorer returned to the fold, as Patrik Elias officially inked a 3-year deal for $16.5 million ($5.5 AAV), leaving only David Clarkson and Marek Zidlicky unsigned 24 hours before FA. As Elias was returning, Johan Hedberg officially departed as he was put on waivers with the intent to use a compliance buyout on the Moose. If I wasn’t typing this off my phone on a way to a barbecue I’d give the classy goalie a more proper send off. Hopefully things work out for him.