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"NJ DEVILS BUZZ"

The Rock, NJ • United States • 35 Years Old • Male

Newly-signed Mark Fraser vows to be 'mean, physical Player

The Devils signed a pair of veteran defensemen this summer in Anton Volchenkov and Henrik Tallinder, but Mark Fraser is certain he will earn a spot among the top six this fall.

"I really felt I gained a lot of confidence last year," Fraser said. "Overall, I'm really happy with the way my rookie year went. More than anything I'm just anxious to get back and continue where I left off. I'm very confident that I'll get an opportunity again."


Fraser signed a one-year, $500,000 contract today. Most importantly, it is a one-way contract.

"More than anything that was the main goal for me," he said. "It's a little more insurance that I'll be there to stay."

Not that he feared going to salary arbitration.

"It's something that happens quite often. But I think both parties preferred to come to an agreement prior to the arbitration hearing," Fraser said. "I'd say it's satisfying."

Fraser said he was only looking for a one-year deal as opposed to a multi-year contract.

"No particular reason. At this point in my career and after discussing it with my family and my agent, it seemed like the right thing to do. I'm still relatively new, up-and-coming and trying to make a name. I wanted something short term only because I feel I still have a lot to prove. I'm confident that, after the upcoming season, I'll be in another strong position for something solid for my future."

He will turn 24 in September during training camp.

"I think what I have to prove is the kind of defenseman I really am," Fraser said. "Which is a physical, mean, tough defenseman. I can't try to do too much, but every chance I get try to complete that type of player that I feel I am."

This will be a different Devils team and Fraser is optimistic.

"It's always tough to lose certain guys we have. It was my first year with those guys and you realize what a great bond you have," he said. "But it is the nature of the business and the additions we've made I think are exciting. I really look forward to seeiung things unfold for us."

He is anxious to see what happens with Ilya Kovalchuk and his contract.

"Me and everybody else," Fraser said with a laugh.

Fraser and a couple of friends vacationed in Panama, but he has already begun skating.