Devils defenseman Maxim Noreau signs in Switzerland

According to eliteprospects.com, which cites an Italian language article on ticinonews.ch, New Jersey Devils prospect Maxim Noreau has signed with Ambrì-Piotta of the Swiss National League A for the upcoming season. From ticinonews.ch (translated by yahoo):

According to made positive announcement from Lombardic it concerns the aliens: Maxime Noreau and the Erics Landry will be respective the fourth and fifth alien of the next season.

The Canadian defender, 24 years, has signed a valid contract for a year. Noreau arrives from the New Jersey Devils, but it has played last the four seasons with the mesh from the Houston Aeros, finalist the past year of the championship American AHL. To Houston he has played 279 left in AHL, 50 nets and 111 asisst. A good booty insomma for a defender.

Noreau was acquired by the Devils from the Minnesota Wild in a June 16th trade which saw former Albany Devils forward David McIntyre going the other way. The Devils had been working on a new contract with the restricted free agent, but it appears Noreau has decided to play in Switzerland rather than take his chances at Devils training camp later this summer.

UPDATE: According to Tom Gulitti, New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has stated that he believes Noreau has indeed signed to play in Switzerland next season, so the initial reports appear to be true.

Note: Don Ferlazzo is not an employee of the Albany Devils, nor is this blog sponsored or influenced by the organization in any way.

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