Devils' Gelinas on signing 1-year deal: 'I told my agent I wanted to play ... I didn't want to miss camp'

Prior to Monday's announcement that defenseman Eric Gelinas had agreed to a one-year, $900,000 deal with the Devils, the negotiation process appeared to be veering down a negative track. 

To wit, Gelinas' agent, Gilles Lupien, indicated his client was prepared to sit out training camp, and said general manager Lou Lamoriello "loves to play with the power." 

At the end of the day, however, Gelinas simply wanted to get back on the ice as soon as possible.

"I'm a player. I was eager to play," Gelinas said, as per NJ.com. "A couple more days and that would have set me back for a bit. I didn't want to miss camp."

Gelinas continued: "I think (Lupien) wants the best for me. That's what he was trying to do, I guess. I told my agent I wanted to play. Whatever they do when they negotiate, I wasn't really aware of what was going on. We both agreed this was the right decision to make. I think both sides are really happy. I'm glad it's done. I don't have much experience in the league. I want to earn my place. I'm really happy about the situation now."

The 23-year-old added he wants to take advantage of the window provided by the one-year deal, saying, "It's going to be a big season for me. I've got to show up and be good."

Gelinas recorded seven goals and 22 assists in 60 games for the Devils last season, and displayed promise on the blue line.