Veteran forward Brendan Shanahan, New Jersey Devils separate on eve of season

Brendan Shanahan, Devils part unexpectedly

NEWARK, N.J. — Veteran forward Brendan Shanahan and the New Jersey Devils have parted way less than two days before the start of the NHL season.

Shanahan issued a statement on Thursday that the separation was mutually agreed upon and was amicable.

The 40-year-old said that he and Devils president Lou Lamoriello agreed when he signed last year that if he were unable to compete and contribute at the level he expect of himself, he would step aside.

Shanahan also noted that the Devils have several young forward ready to play for the team now.

Shanahan plans to spend the next couple of weeks with his family discussing his future. He has scored 656 goals and played in 1,524 career NHL games with the Devils, Blues, Hartford Whalers, Red Wings and Rangers.