New Jersey Signs Lemaire To Long-Term Contract Extension

Coach Jacques Lemaire, who turned the New Jersey Devils from a perennial playoff tease into a Stanley Cup champion in just two years, was given a multi-year contract extension.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello did not disclose terms of the deal.

“It’s long-term, that’s all I’m going to say,” Lemaire said. “I’m quite happy with it. You guys will have to live with me for a while and I guess I’ll have to live with you.”

Lemaire, 49, was in the final year of a three-year contract signed in June 1993. He reportedly was to get $850,000 this year.

“As far as I am concerned, Jacques is the best coach in the National Hockey League,” Lamoriello said. “He should be treated accordingly, so you can make the assumption any way you want.”

One week after being suspended by St. Louis Blues coach Mike Keenan for failing to complete the team’s physical, goalie Grant Fuhr has been reinstated.

Fuhr checked in with the Blues doctors during the weekend, weighing 205 pounds. He had reported the previous week at 219 pounds.

The Hartford Whalers’ newly acquired forward Brendan Shanahan will serve as the team’s ninth captain.