Brodeur says return to Devils 'few years' away: report

Martin Brodeur does not anticipate joining the New Jersey Devils front office anytime soon, the former goaltender told NorthJersey.com Monday.

The Devils hired Ray Shero to replace Lou Lamoriello as general manager last week and Brodeur said he believes the organization is heading in a different direction.

"Especially with the change [the Devils] made, I think it's a great opportunity for me to take a step back and go somewhere -- or stay somewhere -- that I'll be able to learn and do things I want to do and try to learn as much as possible and who knows what the future [holds]," Brodeur told writer Tom Gulitti.

"But it's less and less likely it's going to happen in New Jersey for a few years, that's for sure."

Brodeur played seven games for the St. Louis Blues and became a senior adviser to GM Doug Armstrong after announcing his retirement on Jan. 29.

"It was a lot of fun," Brodeur said. "I think I've learned a lot and it's definitely something I'd like to continue. We'll see what's going to happen in the next few weeks. It was a good experience. I got to meet a lot of good people and get a lot of good advice. It was a little overwhelming at first when I started it. I think I get the concept a little more now. I've still got a lot of stuff to learn, but it was good."

Lamoriello had said Brodeur would join Devils management at some point. Lamoriello is their president of hockey operations.

"I don't know the new GM that's there," Brodeur said. "I haven't talked to anybody in New Jersey actually. That's something that if they want to talk to me, I'm here. But we haven't talked at all."

Brodeur admitted he was surprised hearing Lamoriello had stepped down as GM.

"That day had to come eventually, but when you're almost a disciple of the organization, you know how it's run and everything, and to see somebody new coming in, it's weird," the 43-year-old said. "It will be interesting to see how everything works, but the ownership must have felt it was the right thing to do. They got a guy that has got quite a good reputation, so I think it's a good thing for the organization. It's just kind of funny not to see Lou there."

Brodeur holds the NHL record for wins (691) and shutouts (125) in 22 seasons with the Devils and Blues. He won the Stanley Cup three times and the Vezina Trophy four times with New Jersey.

"Playing hockey and the management part is two different things, and as a hockey player, for me, New Jersey, the Devils, meant everything," he said. "I'm always going to be a Devil for that part. The management part, well, I've never done anything in New Jersey, so it's kind of hard for me to have that feeling. It's a job. When I look at what I have to do this summer, it's a job. There's no more just hanging around and stuff like that. But, again, the Devils, it was my hockey career, it's my whole life because, as a hockey player … I don't consider myself anything else than that.

"Even though I'm retired from the game, my memories were always there and I always enjoyed from that. All of my best friends came from New Jersey. My kids grew up there. Now, it's different because I'm working. I just didn't get the opportunity yet in New Jersey to do it. When I do, I'll make a decision on that, but it hasn't come yet."

If Brodeur remains with St. Louis he said "there’s a good chance" he will be involved with the preparation for the 2015 NHL Draft in June.

"I left for Florida and [Armstrong] and he left for the World Championships (in Prague) and we're going to meet next week and there will be a decision made next week, but I have a strong feeling I'll be staying there at least for a little bit," Brodeur said.