Jordin Tootoo signs with New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils announced Tuesday they have signed Nunavut's Jordin Tootoo to the team.

Tootoo says his contract will be for a year.

"I went into practice this morning without a contract and after practice I got called into [Devils' general manager] Lou Lamoriello​'s office and he had a contract sitting on his desk for me to sign," he said.

Tootoo's mother Rose says she got a call from her son around lunchtime with the news.

Rose Tootoo said the family had spent the last month holding their breath.

"I was so happy to hear from him finally because we've been on pins and needles last week," she said. "So it was very exciting news."

Tootoo previously played for the Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings in the NHL. He was bought out of his contract earlier this year by the Red Wings, saying they had too many right wing players.

Tootoo will begin his contract this Thursday and says he will now be spending the next 10 days looking for a house in New Jersey.