Johan Hedberg sat in on the meetings between the NHL and NHLPA on Friday and Sunday. "I learned how to find 100 different words to say the same thing without saying anything," he said. "It's definitely interesting to be there and see what's going on and I understand a bit more the dynamics of things. ... In these instances, it's really give and take and I felt that we had a very honest approach about what our thoughts were and the things that we were asking for and the things we want to be done." On the playing front, Hedberg and a group of teammates are still skating in New Jersey and renting ice time at the Prudential Center to stay in shape.

Johan Hedberg believes the length of the lockout will depend on when the owners choose to end it. "I wouldn't say I'm optimistic it's going to end tomorrow, said Hedberg. "It depends on how long the owners want to keep doing this. We want to play. There's no doubt about that. It takes two to tango." He also reiterated that he doesn't plan to play overseas during the lockout regardless of how long it lasts. Hedberg has children at school in New Jersey and he'll remain with his family.

Johan Hedberg wanted to receive a two-year deal from New Jersey, so that he could bring his family over. "I'm very happy. The two years was important because I wanted to bring my family to New Jersey," Hedberg said. "Obviously I had a one-year deal before and we didn't know if it would be worth uprooting everybody from the home we've had for some time. If they were going to make the move, I wanted it to be for an extended time." He said he could've earned a higher salary if he accepted a one-year contract from another club, but his preference was to stay with the Devils and to get a two-year term.

Johan Hedberg's newly signed two-year deal with the New Jersey Devils is worth $2.8 million. That's a mild increase over the $1.25 million he was paid in 2011-12. He'll serve as Martin Brodeur's understudy for the next two seasons.

Johan Hedberg has signed a two-year deal with the New Jersey Devils. Hedberg's deal also includes a no-trade clause. With that, the Devils have committed to using Martin Brodeur and Hedberg as their goaltenders for the next two seasons. That's a bit of a risk given that Brodeur is 40 and Hedberg is 39.

With Martin Brodeur re-signed, it wouldn't be a surprise if Johan Hedberg inks with the Devils in the not too distant future. Hedberg has expressed interest in staying with the Devils and now that Martin Brodeur has agreed to terms, New Jersey will probably address their backup situation. Hedberg had a 2.22 GAA and .918 save percentage in 27 games in 2011-12.

Pending UFA goaltender Johan Hedberg isn't sure if he will be back with New Jersey next season. "I have no idea what will happen," he said. "I haven't spoken to Lou (Lamoriello) about anything. I want to wait and see what his thoughts and plans are and then go from there. I had a lot of fun this year, plenty of fun, and feel like I've got some more hockey next year." He is open to signing elsewhere if he doesn't fit into the Devils' plans.

Johan Hedberg could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 39-year-old keeper has been a dependable backup for the past two seasons in New Jersey. With Martin Brodeur, 40, heavily leaning toward playing again next year, it might be time for him to teach a younger understudy the ropes if he does, in fact, stay with the Devils. A case can also be made that the team should bring Hedberg back on the basis of needing a steady number two option.

Johan Hedberg decided to come to New Jersey because he thought he could win a Stanley Cup with them. "This is what I was hoping for the first year and this is what I was hoping for when I re-signed, because I felt we had something to prove," Hedberg said. Traditionally, Martin Brodeur's backups haven't gotten much playing time, but Hedberg has played a more significant role. He had a 17-7-2 record, 2.22 GAA, and .918 save percentage in 27 regular season games, so he's part of the reason the Devils made the playoffs in the first place. That being said, barring a meltdown from Brodeur or an injury, Hedberg isn't expected to get any playing time during the Stanley Cup finals.

Johan Hedberg understands that he probably won't get the opportunity to play during the playoffs. "Even if I'm not playing, I see myself as part of the team," said Hedberg, who will back up Martin Brodeur. "I try to do the things that I can control and be as supportive as I can to the team and, obviously, stay ready for whatever might happen. If we would make it far and I wouldn't play another minute, that's OK as long as we're successful. It's not about me." Hedberg's 2.23 goals-against average and .918 save percentage in 27 appearances were better than Brodeur's numbers over 59 contests, but it will take the unforeseen, or an injury, for him to supplant the future Hall-of-Famer for the top job in the postseason.