Pending-unrestricted free agent forward David Clarkson is apparently heading to the open-market, according to agent Pat Morris as told to Tom Gulitti of The Bergen Record on Tuesday morning.
NHL free agency 2013: David Clarkson to test open-market
Despite being presented an offer by the New Jersey Devils, David Clarkson expects to begin fielding offers from other clubs on Wednesday afternoon.
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Clarkson received a contract offer from New Jersey Devils manager Lou Lamoriello this past weekend, which was not signed by Clarkson, according to Morris. Under the new rules of the collective bargaining agreement, Clarkson will be permitted to visit with prospective teams beginning at noon on Wednesday in anticipation of the free agency starting on Friday.
(Editor’s note: Pierre LeBrun of ESPN tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that pending-unrestricted free agents will be permitted to meet with prospective teams at 12:01 a.m., on Wednesday morning, not afternoon.)
Morris states that Clarkson has an open mind about the Devils, but is also being receptive to the interest of other clubs. By most accounts, Clarkson will be a viable commodity on the open-market and will be highly sought after.
In terms of potential contact with the Devils before Wednesday, Morris states that is the club’s decision to make, via The Bergen Record:
“We indicated we would keep in touch as the process went along, but Lou would have to answer that question,” Morris said of whether they would talk again before Clarkson begins talking to other teams. “We have no need to call him. New Jersey is the one facing life without David, so that’s up to Lou to answer that question.”
Clarkson finished out the final year of a three-year, $8 million contract that carried an annual average value of $2.6 million against the salary cap. He is expected to receive a substantial raise on his next deal.
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