The Devils are nearer the start of training camp than the end of last season, and they still don’t have a coach. The subject of speculation, Guy Carbonneau, told The Post yesterday that while he e-mailed New Jersey an interview request months ago, he has yet to hear a word from the organization.
“I don’t think they’ve spoken to anyone,” Carbonneau said, only half-joking. “I haven’t heard anything. I’ve sent a few messages a couple of months ago, e-mails, and I’m still waiting. Only one team left, now.”
Meanwhile, former Oilers coach Craig MacTavish told The Post from British Columbia that he hasn’t heard from the Devils. He did mention, however, that he expects to be in New Jersey next week to attend a wedding.
Carbonneau, 51, yesterday ceased being the interim coach of the Quebec league’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens, a junior team he co-owns, launching the speculation that he squelched, at least for now. Carbonneau coached the Canadiens for two-plus seasons.
Until a coach is hired, Carbonneau will remain a candidate to follow Jacques Lemaire, who replaced John MacLean Dec. 23. MacLean replaced Lemaire June 17, 2010 after Lemaire succeeded Brent Sutter.
Other obvious candidates include Ken Hitchcock, Michel Therrien and Mike Keenan, although some believe Lou Lamoriello is still hoping Lemaire changes his mind about retirement.
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The Devils’ Trenton (ECHL) farm team has suspended play for this coming season . . . Defenseman Radek Martinek left the Islanders, signing a one-year deal as an unrestricted free agent with Columbus for $2.2 million.
The Blues signed Jamie Langenbrunner from the Stars and Jason Arnott from the Caps yesterday. Both Arnott and Langenbrunner were dealt by the Devils last season as they headed toward the unrestricted free agency they exercised yesterday. Langenbrunner’s signing means the Devils’ compensation, a 2011 third-round pick from Dallas, is complete, while the Flyers are known to have offered a second-rounder that could have become a first.