Vanderbeek takes over sole control of Devils

"Our goal to stimulate and facilitate that growth has been achieved," Gilfillan said in a statement, "and is obvious to everyone, given how much development has occurred near the Prudential Center and the Performing Arts Center, from what is underway, and is to come."

The NHL lockout was in its 110th day Thursday, and both sides understand the urgency to save a shortened season. They have moved closer to one another while swapping proposals, but key issues remain — pensions and salary cap, among them.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has said that the league told the union a deal needs to be in place by next week so that a 48-game season can begin Jan. 19. All games through Jan. 14 along with the All-Star game have been canceled, claiming more than 50 percent of the original schedule.

The Devils won the Stanley Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2003, and won additional Eastern Conference championships in 2001 and last season. The 1995 title was won after a shortened season.