Defenseman Mark Fayne is "ahead of schedule" in his rehab following April 22 surgery to repair the core muscle in his left groin, but there have been no meaningful talks with the Devils regarding a new contract. Fayne, who turned 27 Thursday, can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He earned $1.4 million in 2013-14. "We have not heard from the Devils yet, but I hope at some point we do," agent Peter Fish said. "Mark is obviously a very valuable defenseman, and he would be to a lot of teams. Mark's preference is to be a Devil and not go anywhere." In 72 games this season, Fayne had 11 points (four goals, seven assists) and was minus-5. He was primarily Andy Greene's partner as the Devils' top defense pairing. "(Fayne's) rehab is actually ahead of schedule. He's getting good care. That is not an issue at all," Fish said. "It's quite a common injury for hockey players. These doctors are good."

Mark Fayne underwent successful groin surgery. Fayne will need eight-to-10 weeks to recovery, so he should be fine for the start of the 2014-15 campaign. Still, this development is somewhat noteworthy because he's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Mark Fayne will dress in his first game of 2013-14 Tuesday night in Vancouver. He was a healthy scratch for the Devils' first three games of the year. With Fayne in the lineup, Adam Larsson will draw out.

Devils GM Lou Lamoriello stated on Wednesday that Mark Fayne is "OK" after ending the season with a bulging disc in his back. He sat out the last four games of the year, but he didn't have to undergo surgery to repair the problem.

Mark Fayne's mysterious season-ending injury was a bulging disc in his lower back. Fayne said the injury sent "a sharp, shooting pain" down one of his legs. The ailment started bothering him during an April 15 game against Toronto but accelerated after that. Fayne won't require surgery and says he's been told the pain should subside in a week or so.

Mark Fayne missed the Devils' final four games with an undisclosed injury. Fayne had a goal and six points in 31 games this season. He's not expected to need offseason surgery.

Mark Fayne netted a shorthanded goal in a 3-2 shootout loss Sunday. Steve Sullivan scored his first goal as a member of the New Jersey Devils. Dainius Zubrus and Steve Bernier each registered an assist in the losing effort.

Mark Fayne got the start on defense Thursday night. Henrik Tallinder was a late scratch, literally, as he took warmups then hurt himself. Fayne, who was going to be a healthy scratch, played 15:40 and had two penalty minutes.

Mark Fayne will be in the Devils' lineup Saturday afternoon against the Capitals. He seems to be alternating with Henrik Tallinder as a healthy scratch. Fayne will be paired with Anton Volchenkov Saturday while Tallinder will sit in the press box.

Mark Fayne will spend Saturday's game in the press box. Fayne has struggled over the last two games and he recognizes that. "I think I was forcing stuff a little too much," he said. "Especially down low with the puck. I didn't really have too much patience and, I guess, finesse to make the correct play instead of forcing things. When you have 8 D who are ready, it's a luxury for the team. For a player you have to know that every night is a tryout. You're playing for your spot." He'll get a chance to earn that spot back sooner or later.