Newark, NJ – The Devils have announced the signings of five players to American Hockey League contracts. Signed were: defensemen Matt Cohen, Chris Murray, and Matt Taormina;  and forwards Trevor Kell and Louis Robitaille. The announcement was made by Lowell Devils General Manager Chris Lamoriello.  As per organizational policy, no further terms were disclosed.

Cohen, 23, returns for his third year with the organization after splitting the past two seasons between Trenton (ECHL) and Lowell (AHL).  In 2008-09, he finished second among ECHL Devils’ defensemen with 47 points, including a team-leading (tie) 12 goals and plus-22 mark in 58 appearances. He also skated in the league’s All-Star Game. The 6-1, 200-lb. defenseman also saw action in five contests with the AHL Devils.  Cohen joined the organization by appearing in nine ECHL games upon the conclusion of his collegiate career in 2006-07.  He played four seasons at Yale University (ECAC), where he totaled seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points and 134 penalty minutes in 118 appearances for the Bulldogs.  Born November 8, 1985 in New York City, he also spent two seasons with the United States Development Program.
 
Murray, 24, enters his first season with the organization and third professional season overall. The 6-2, 185-lb. defenseman spent time in 2008-09 with both Hartford (AHL) and Charlotte (ECHL).  Murray has also seen action with Peoria (AHL), Phoenix (ECHL), Lake Erie (AHL), Springfield (AHL), and Albany (AHL) in his pro career.  Born December 26, 1984 in Dover, MA, he played four seasons, 2003-07, at the University of New Hampshire (HE), where he was named to the league’s Second All-Star Team as a senior.  Murray’s four-season collegiate totals show 11 goals and 24 assists for 35 points and 191 penalty minutes in 112 appearances for the Wildcats.

Taormina, 22, will enter his first full pro season after recording two goals and three assists for five points and four penalty minutes in 11 games with Binghamton (AHL) in 2008-09.  The 5-11, 185-lb. defenseman joined the AHL Senators at the conclusion of his four-year (2005-09) collegiate career at Providence College.  While with the Friars, Taormina posted 20 goals and 45 assists for 65 points and 50 penalty minutes in 141 appearances.  Born October 20, 1986 in Washington Township, MI, he was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team as a junior.
 
Kell, 23, has split each of the last two seasons between Trenton and Lowell, finishing fifth on the ECHL Devils in scoring each year.  The 6-0, 185-lb. wing recorded 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points and 71 penalty minutes in 65 regular-season ECHL games last year, while adding three goals and two assists for five points and six penalty minutes in seven post-season contests.  Born June 23, 1986 in Thunder Bay, Ont., Kell joined the organization after spending four seasons in junior hockey, including three years with London (OHL).  He was Chicago’s ninth choice and 131st overall selection in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.
 
Robitaille, 27, joins the organization after spending the 2008-09 season with both St. Hyacinthe (LNAH) and Cortina (Ita.).  The 6-2, 225-lb. forward played five seasons in the AHL, 2003-08, including the last three years with Hershey, winning the 2006 Calder Cup Championship. Robitaille made his NHL debut by appearing in two games with Washington during the 2005-06 season, recording five penalty minutes.  Born March 16, 1982 in Montreal, Que., he made his professional debut in 2003-04 with Portland (AHL) and Quad City (UHL).  Robitaille played four seasons of junior hockey with Montreal (QMJHL).