Devils hope to sign Larsson long-term: report

New Jersey Devils general manager Ray Shero remains confident he can get restricted free agent defenseman Adam Larsson signed before his salary arbitration hearing on July 29, according to NJ Advance Media.

Shero told the website Tuesday he hopes to sign Larsson to a long-term contract. Larsson, who had NHL career highs with three goals, 21 assists and 24 points in 64 regular-season games in 2014-15.

"We have the date for arbitration, so I'll talk to (agent) J.P. Barrie again at some point this week and compare notes and see if something might be done on a longer term deal if possible," Shero said. "If not, at least you have a date, so there is going to be a contract either way whether it's the arbitration or negotiating. We have a little bit of time here and Lou [Lamoriello] always says if you have time you use it.

"I think both sides are doing that and trying to do what makes sense for both the player and the team."

Larsson, 22, has six goals and 51 points in 192 games with the Devils.

Shero this offseason has re-signed defensemen Seth Helgeson and Eric Gelinas and forward Stefan Matteau to two-year contracts, signed free agent defenseman John Moore, and acquired forward Kyle Palmieri in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks.