from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

...as this year’s free-agent market is set to open on Wednesday, the Devils have found a different way. Slap Shots has learned that the team has sent an email to agents extolling the virtues of playing for the organization and in New Jersey. Who needs breakfast at Tiffany’s?

“Jersey is an incredible place to play and live. Players who come here quickly realize all that the state has to offer,” general manager Tom Fitzgerald writes. “We are close to major cities, beautiful beaches, fine dining and a myriad of entertainment options. We are also home to many welcoming communities. In fact, many Devils’ families were built and grown right here in the Garden State.

“I have a distinct vision of the culture we are building here and what we look for in players. I expect them to be committed to who we are and what we are, to compete day-in and day-out, regardless of skill level, and to be accountable to teammates, coaches, and most importantly, themselves. We will challenge our team to strive for excellence because I know we are on our way there.”

The email includes a link to a dedicated site meant to be shared with prospective free agents that features ownership, the organization (“FIRST CLASS ORGANIZATION”), the staff, the fans and the community.

more plus other notes like this...

Gerry Johansson, the agent for Luke Prokop, was driving along the other night when he received a call from someone outside of the hockey world asking for the cell number of the 19-year-old Predators prospect who on Monday became the first active player under an NHL contract to publicly come out as gay.

The agent gave the caller the young man’s digits.

And when Prokop next heard the ring, the man on the other end of the line was Elton John.