Devils Acquire Defenseman Havelid from Thrashers

The New Jersey Devils announced on Monday that they have acquired defenseman Niclas Havelid and right wing Myles Stoesz from the Atlanta Thrashers in exchange for defenseman Anssi Salmela. Havelid, who will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has two goals and 13 assists for 15 points in 63 games so far this season. In 613 NHL games, he has 34 goals and 133 assists for 167 points and 336 penalty minutes with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Atlanta Thrashers. Salmela, who is in his first NHL season, has three assists in 17 games so far this season. This trade works out well for the Devils who were rumored seeking a depth defenseman over the last few weeks for the playoffs. Havelid gives the Devils a decent veteran, puck-moving defenseman, especially on the power play. Salmela gives the Thrashers another young defenseman to rebuild their team with who has the potential to become a decent puck-moving, offensive defenseman. Stoesz, who has yet to play in an NHL game, is a very physical forward who could become a future enforcer for the Devils.