Agent: Devils' Clarkson to listen to other offers

New Jersey Devils impending unrestricted free agent forward David Clarkson is preparing to listen to offers from other teams beginning at noon ET Wednesday, the first day he's allowed to do so, according to his agent, Pat Morris.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello reportedly submitted an offer to re-sign Clarkson during the NHL Draft in New Jersey this past weekend, but it was not accepted. Clarkson, 29, is considered by many to be one of the top free agents on the market. In his final season of a three-year contract, which ended June 30, he made $3 million.

"Over the weekend there was an exchange with Lou," Morris told Tom Gulitti of The (Bergen) Record. "He put in an offer and that was not signed. By [Wednesday] teams can call and say what they think of David. We've got an open mind with New Jersey and we've got an open mind with NHL clubs. We know where New Jersey is at today to a level to sign a contract. It was a respected offer that was not signed and we're just moving forward with whatever the timeline is."

Clarkson led the Devils with 15 goals in 2012-13 after scoring a career-high 30 in 2011-12. He had three goals (all game-winners) and nine assists during New Jersey's run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.

An undrafted free-agent signed by the Devils on Aug. 12, 2005, Clarkson has 93 goals, 73 assists and 770 penalty minutes in 426 regular-season games, and five goals, 14 points and 79 penalty minutes in 44 playoff matches.

"We indicated we would keep in touch [with New Jersey] as the process went along," Morris said. "We have no need to call [the Devils]. New Jersey is the one facing life without David."

Teams and potential free agents have a 48-hour window to communicate before they are permitted to sign contracts beginning at noon ET on Friday, per the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

"We have no other choice now," Morris said. "We reviewed a proposal. Unfortunately it did not result in a contract [with New Jersey]."

Lamoriello was asked whether or not talks would continue with Clarkson's camp now that his initial offer has been rejected.

"David, I don't know at this point," Lamoriello said. "We'll certainly talk and I'll leave it at that."