David Clarkson could start on New Jersey's first line when the regular season begins. Travis Zajac, who is slated to center the top line, doesn't see a problem with Clarkson moving up the lineup. "I definitely don't think that's out of the question," Zajac said. "Clarkie has gotten better every year. He's played a bigger role every year. He had an unbelievable season last year and I think he's just going to get better. I think he's a guy who is going to have a big role on the team this year." Clarkson scored a career-high 30 goals and 46 points last season, but took the diplomatic approach when asked if he should crack the Devils top-six forward group when he said he would play wherever coach Pete DeBoer puts him.

David Clarkson returned from Austria last week and is back working out with a group of players in Toronto. He suited up in five games for EC Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Hockey League and enjoyed the experience of playing overseas. Clarkson and Winnipeg defenseman Tobias Enstrom decided to leave the team because they didn't want to take roster spots away from players that had been there all season. The New Jersey forward is hopeful that CBA negotiations will resume soon. However, right now there are no meetings scheduled and talks have broken off because neither side is seeing eye-to-eye on player contract rights.

David Clarkson and Tobias Enstrom have reportedly not left EC Red Bull Salzburg yet. "We haven't left, but by the 12th there is a deadline where they can have so many guys on the roster," Clarkson said. He also explained the Austrian League's points system for limiting the lineup each team can submit for a game. "You're only allowed to dress 60 points a night in this league and I'm a four-point player and so is Tobi. So, that takes up eight points of the lineup and sometimes they have to sit guys that have been there for a while because we're both here. ... I had meetings yesterday and they told me not to worry about that stuff, but at the end of the day, I'm over here just to get and shape and play. I wouldn't want to take some guy's job that's played there all year." Clarkson denied a report that he and Enstrom have disputed with Red Bull head coach Pierre Page.

David Clarkson has departed EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian League because of personal reasons. The New Jersey forward and Winnipeg's Tobias Enstrom left the team on the same day with the league and the players' union set to resume CBA talks on Tuesday. Clarkson produced two goals and one assist in five appearances during his stint with the Austrian Hockey League.

David Clarkson is still hopefull that the owners and players can settle the lockout. Clarkson has been playing in Austria during the lockout. "It's been a lot of fun," Clarkson said today. "Team Red Bull treats you very, very well and they're very professional, so it's nice. It's been fun. Last night we played against (Buffalo's_ Myers and (Edmonton's) Sam Gagner and a lot of other guys that are over here (on EC-KAC Klagenfurt) and we lost, but we've got a great group of guys. It's fun when you go somewhere and you get to meet different people."Obviously, I'd like to be in New Jersey playing right now, but there's some things as players we believe in and, hopefully, they can get this sorted out."

David Clarkson has signed with EC Red Bull Salzburg of the Austrian League. There have been a few signings in the last few days and that's not a good sign for the lockout to be ending soon. Clarkson set a career high in goals last season when he potted 30 and is one of the best combinations in fantasy hockey of points and penalty minutes, making him a very valuable commodity on draft day.

David Clarkson is hoping that the league's new proposal is a sign that "they're serious about negotiating." He said that would make this a positive step in the right direction. Clarkson may be in attendance for Thursday's meeting between the NHL and NHLPA. The league released the full proposal to the public on Wednesday, which is a move that many believed would irk members of the players' union, but Clarkson didn't seem to mind. The Toronto native has spent most of the lockout in his hometown.

David Clarkson has enjoyed the extra time at home, but he'll take this weekend to think about going over to Europe. The Devils forward says he's been keeping in shape and he feels fortunate to get to spend more time with his family. "My agent has called me a couple of times with some options," Clarkson said. "I really haven't been looking too hard, but if this [the lockout] goes on then, yeah, I'm going to push it a little bit and maybe go over there. I haven't really put too much thought into where as of yet. My agent has talked about things, but, as of now, I'm going to spend this weekend thinking about it and make a decision."

David Clarkson could play in Europe during the lockout. "I have considered it. I've been tossing it around in my head and with my family. It's definitely an option," Clarkson said today. "In the near future I'm going to have to decide. Maybe by the end of the week I'll make a decision. The rugged forward potted 30 goals and registered 138 penalty minutes in a very solid fantasy campaign last year.

David Clarkson is still hopeful that the NHLPA and the NHL can avoid a lockout. "I think you've always got to believe," he said. "As players, we want what we believe is fair. We have a lot of confidence in Mr. Fehr and he's been amazing. You look at the proposals we've made to the NHL and fans and people thought it could have went a lot of ways and I think the way we went about it with trying to help the other teams, I've been very excited to have somebody like Don Fehr on our side and to learn from him." Clarkson flew Wednesday from Toronto to Vail, Colorado to train under Andy O'Brien with a group of 15 to 20 NHL players for five days, which is part of his annual off-season routine.