Brodeur comes back to Devils

Martin Brodeur, who helped the Devils win three Stanley Cups during his 21 seasons in New Jersey, is returning to the franchise as executive vice president of business development.

“It feels fantastic to be back home here in New Jersey,” Brodeur said. “This unique opportunity will allow me to build on existing relationships in the business community and take on a new challenge in my career. I’ve been able to work in all facets of the game of hockey and have had a growing interest in the business surrounding the game.”

The NHL’s leader in wins (691), shutouts (125) and games played by a goalie (1,266) quit his executive gig with the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday to return to the franchise that drafted him in the first round of the 1990 NHL draft.

Not ready to hang up the pads after the 2013-2014 campaign, Brodeuer signed with the Blues as a free agent after St. Louis starter Brian Elliott got hurt. He played in only seven games before finally calling it quits in January 2015. The four-time Vezina Trophy winner as the NHL’s best goalie then transitioned into a front-office role in St. Louis, serving the last three years as assistant general manager.

“We wish Marty nothing but the best as he moves forward,” Blues GM Doug Armstrong said. “When he does want to get back in the management role in hockey, his future will take him wherever he wants to go.”