Darren Dreger of TSN reports that the New Jersey Devils have signed free agent forward Vernon Fiddler to a one-year deal, worth $1.25MM. Fiddler had spent the last five seasons with Dallas, earning the same amount the last two as he will in his first with New Jersey.
After trading for Taylor Hall on Wednesday, Fiddler is another piece to an improving Devils squad. He’ll slot in behind Adam Henrique and Travis Zajac to become the third or fourth line center, depending on what New Jersey does with youngster Pavel Zacha.
Fiddler, never an imposing offensive figure, scored 12 goals and 22 points last season but contributed most on the Stars penalty kill. Always regarded as an above average face-off man, New Jersey will be able to use him in defensive zone situations to shield the young Zacha as he continues to develop.