EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) – The oldest player in the NHL will play one final season: Igor Larionov signed with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday.

Larionov, who turns 43 in December, signed a one-year contract, filling the Stanley Cup champion’s hole at center. Joe Nieuwendyk left the Devils to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent Tuesday.

Larionov is entering his 14th season. The Russian won Stanley Cups with the Detroit Red Wings in 1997, 1998 and 2002.

Larionov said he would have retired after last season but changed his mind after the Red Wings were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.

“I decided I want another year so I can have another chance to win the Cup,” Larionov said Wednesday. “This is my last year.”

The unrestricted free agent turned down a $1 million contract offer from the Red Wings in June.

Neither Larionov nor Devils president Lou Lamoriello would say how much the player will earn this season.

“We’re a role-playing team, and Igor can play many roles both on offense and defense,” Lamoriello said. “He’s a quality player.”

Talks between the two sides didn’t start until a couple of days ago. Larionov spoke with Devils coach Pat Burns on Wednesday and expects to be in New Jersey on Thursday for a medical exam.

The Devils open training camp Friday.

Despite his age, Larionov has been durable. He had 10 goals and 33 assists in 74 games for the Red Wings last season.

“I have been the oldest player in the game for many years now,” Larionov said. “In my case, I feel good. I feel excited. I am ready to go and play a full season.”

He played on the power play and killed penalties last season, but it’s not clear whether he will be on New Jersey’s second line – where Nieuwendyk played.

Nieuwendyk had 14 goals and 28 assists in 80 games with Devils last season.

AP-ES-09-10-03 1616EDT