NEW YORK -- The New Jersey Devils signed 40-year-old
defenseman Tommy Albelin on Tuesday to replace Vladimir Malakhov,
who unexpectedly retired this week.
Albelin, a member of New Jersey's Stanley Cup-winning teams in
1995 and 2003, had been skating at the Devils' practice facility
this season. He was scratched Tuesday against the New York Rangers,
New Jersey's first contest with general manager Lou Lamoriello
serving as the interim coach.
Malakhov's surprise retirement was announced Monday, the same
day that coach Larry Robinson stepped down as coach because of
health reasons and a desire to spend more time with his family.
Another person who benefited from Malakhov's departure was
defenseman Dan McGillis, who was waived and on the way to AHL
Albany. Instead, he was back in the Devils lineup against the
Rangers.
Albelin played 11 seasons with the Devils and had 27 goals and
119 assists.
The Devils also recalled right winger Cam Janssen from Albany
and reassigned right winger Barry Tallackson to the AHL team.
Janssen also dressed for Tuesday's game.