The Toronto native had a career-high 30 goals and 46 points with the Devils last season, and will be counted on to supply that same offensive consistency this year.
Clarkson is one of three members of the Devils' main forward corps in the final year of his contract. Veterans Patrik Elias and Dainius Zubrus can also become UFAs this summer.
It's unclear if a new contract will be agreed upon during the season, or if formal talks will get pushed until the off-season, but Clarkson is interested in signing a long-term deal with the Devils.
Clarkson is making $3 million this season, though his cap hit is just over $2.666 million, and he could see that salary climb north of $4 million on a new deal, especially if he continues to supply the same offense he did last season.
In 379 career NHL regular-season games, Clarkson to date has accumulated 83 goals and 64 assists for 147 points, and 692 penalty minutes.
He first joined the Devils after signing a contract with the club as a free agent on Aug. 12, 2005.
