The Devils wanted Patrick Maroon back. Home just held the edge over New Jersey.
General manager Ray Shero offered Maroon more money than the one-year, $1.75 million deal the free agent forward ultimately signed with the St. Louis Blues.
The salary difference wasn't enough to prevent a homecoming for Maroon, a St. Louis native who has his only son living in the area.
"I've known Patty for a few years now, and I'm really proud of the decision he made and why he made it, for his son," Shero said.