INSIDE HOCKEY

The Devils press has been expecting to hear the official news for some time now. It just took a little while before Coach Sutter could make up his mind that it was time to head back home and stay there.

Coach Sutter has been feeling that home sickness for some time now. After every game, we could see it on his face. There was that need for him to see the Devils through to the end of the season and another part of him that needed to be on the other side of the continent.

Now that the season is over and Coach Sutter has had some time to think things over, he has decided to remain at home and has officially resigned as head coach of the New Jersey Devils.

"Although disappointed, we respect the reasons for Brent's decision and appreciate everything he has accomplished over the last two years," Devils President/CEO/General Manager Lou Lamoriello said in a press release today.

Sutter will remain in Alberta, Canada where he owns the Western Hockey League's (WHL) Red Deer Rebels.

Sutter had expressed in the past that it was difficult coaching the Devils, trying to run the Rebels and needing to be home on the farm. He announced that his decision to step down as head coach was purely for family reasons.

Sutter's record with the Devils was 97-56-11 (.625) over the course of two regular seasons. His career also saw two consecutive playoff appearances including the 2008-2009 Atlantic Division Championship.

The search now begins for a new Head Coach for the Devils. Rumors are circulating that former Devils Head Coach Jacques Lemaire will be the one to take the now empty spot behind the bench.

Other Devils News

In order to catch everyone up on Devils news this off-season, here are the major highlights so far.

Bobby Holik has officially retired from the NHL citing his desire to remain home in Wisconsin with his family.

Zach Parise should be making his way to Las Vegas next week as the NHL Awards takes place on June 18th. He is nominated for the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. [Make sure to check Inside Hockey for the latest NHL Awards news as I report on the festivities direct from Las Vegas.]

June 18th marks Martin Brodeur Day in New Jersey. A special ceremony will take place in Trenton, New Jersey.

Niclas Havelid will not be returning as a New Jersey Devil. He signed with Linkoping of the Swedish Elite League.

Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond (aka PL3) has re-signed with the Devils.

No word yet as to Mr. Lamoriello's decision on re-signing John Madden or Brendan Shanahan. Both players are not ready to hang up their skates just yet.