Devils Acquire Marek Zidlicky from Wild in Multi-Player Deal

The New Jersey Devils added some veteran depth to their blueline on Friday night by acquiring defenseman Marek Zidlicky from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenseman Kurtis Foster, right wing Nick Palmieri, left wing Stephane Veilleux, a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft, and a conditional draft pick in the 2013 Entry Draft. The second round pick was originally acquired by the Devils from the Washington Capitals last season in the Jason Arnott trade. The details of the conditional pick have yet to be released. Relations between Zidlicky and the Wild soured in recent days when it became known that he was not getting along with Head Coach Mike Yeo. In 41 games so far this season, Zidlicky has 14 assists. He missed 13 games this past November and December with a concussion. Foster, who was acquired by the Devils from the Anaheim Ducks this past December, has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He is currently day-to-day with a back injury. Palmieri has appeared in 29 games so far this season, scoring four goals and three assists for seven points. He has also played in 25 games with Albany of the AHL, scoring five goals and six assists for 11 points. Veilleux has gone scoreless in only one NHL game so far this season. He also appeared in 40 games with Albany, scoring 11 goals and 11 assists for 22 points. Both Foster and Veilleux are beginning their second stints with the Wild.

This is quite the trade for the Devils, as they gave up quite a bit to land Zidlicky, who still has one more year left on his current contract. However, the Devils had been seeking some veteran depth and offensive skill on the blueline and they got that in Zidlicky. He also has a good shot and is excellent on the power play. Despite his struggles this season in Minnesota, he should be a good fit in New Jersey, where the change of scenery will hopefully help him improve his game. As for the Wild, they definitely added quite a bit of depth in this deal. Foster will bring lots of size and offensive skill to their blueline, while Palmieri gives them a young forward with some offensive upside, good size, and a little bit of gritty play. Veilleux could see some time on their checking lines late in the season, but for now he will likely remain in the minors. Both Foster and Veilleux will be unrestricted free agents this summer, so it remains to be seen if the Wild will keep them beyond this season. More than likely, their play throughout the rest of the season will dictate whether or not they get a contract offer from Minnesota this summer.

Devils Sign Steve Bernier to One-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed right wing Steve Bernier to a one-year, two-way contract. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. He attended the team's training camp this past September on a tryout basis and has been playing with their AHL affiliate in Albany since the start of the 2011-12 season. In 17 games with Albany, he has three goals and three assists for six points. This is a depth signing at best for the Devils, as Bernier has struggled to find offensive consistency for the past couple of seasons. However, he has good size and can play a role as a penalty killer. He was recalled from the minors after the signing, so look for Bernier to play on New Jersey's fourth line.

Devils Acquire Alexei Ponikarovsky from Hurricanes

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have acquired left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Joe Sova and a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. In 50 games this season with the Hurricanes, Ponikarovsky has eight goals and eight assists for 16 points. Sova has two goals and two assists for four points in 14 games with Albany of the AHL. He has also appeared in 18 games with Kalamazoo of the ECHL, scoring two goals and five assists for seven points. Not a bad depth move for the Devils, as Ponikarovsky will bring some two-way skill and offensive ability to the forward lines. More than likely, he will play on the team's third line for the remainder of the season. As for the Hurricanes, the subtraction of Ponikarovsky will give one of their younger forwards an opportunity to step up in the second half of the season. As for Sova, he is really just a depth acquisition for the team and will likely remain in the minors for the remainder of the season.

Devils Sign Petr Sykora to One-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils announced on Wednesday that they have signed right wing Petr Sykora to a one-year contract worth $650,000. He had been attending the team's training camp on a tryout basis. This will be his second stint with the team, where he played from 1995 to 2002. In 13 games last season with Plzen of the Czech League, he had five goals and eight assists for 13 points. He also appeared in 28 games with Dynamo Minsk of the KHL, scoring eight goals and eight assists for 16 points. He last played in the NHL with the Minnesota Wild during the 2009-10 season. Not a bad depth signing for the Devils, as Sykora brings plenty of offensive skill to the forward lines and a good shot. There's a possibility he could play on the top line with Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias, but it remains to be seen just how Devils' head coach Peter DeBoer will set up his lines when the regular season starts.

Maple Leafs Acquire David Steckel from Devils

The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that they have acquired center David Steckel from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. He still has two years left on his current contract. In 75 games last season with the Washington Capitals and New Jersey Devils, he had six goals and six assists for 12 points. Not a bad depth move for the Maple Leafs, as Steckel will bring loads of experience and talent to the faceoff, as well as plenty of size and skill to the penalty kill. With Tim Connolly and Mikhail Grabovski currently sidelined with injuries, Steckel adds some much needed depth at center for Toronto, but it's just a short-term fix, as both players shouldn't miss much time. Once they return, look for Steckel to play on the fourth line. For the Devils, this move presents an opportunity for players like Brad Mills, Adam Henrique, Mattias Tedenby, and Cam Janssen to make the opening night roster.

Devils Add Harrold, Re-Sign Mills and Wiseman

The New Jersey Devils announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Peter Harrold to a one-year, two-way contract worth $550,000 at the NHL level and $105,000 at the AHL level. The team also announced that they have re-signed center Brad Mills to a one-year contract worth $525,000 and left wing Chad Wiseman to a two-year contract worth $1.05 million. The deal will average out to $525,000 per season. In 19 games last season with the Los Angeles Kings, Harrold had one goal and three assists for four points. He was a healthy scratch for much of the season. Mills played in four games last season with the Devils, scoring one goal. He also appeared in 53 games with Albany of the AHL, scoring 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points and 102 penalty minutes. In 48 games with Albany, Wiseman had 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points. He last appeared in the NHL during the 2005-06 season with the New York Rangers. These are nothing more than depth signings for the Devils, as all three players will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors. The Devils also announced on Monday that they had signed left wing Myles Stoesz and right wing Nathan Perkovich to AHL contracts. Both players will likely remain on AHL deals throughout the 2011-12 season and will probably only earn NHL contracts if they play impressively in the minors.

Devils Sign Zach Parise to One-Year Deal

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have avoided arbitration with left wing Zach Parise and re-signed him to a one-year contract worth $6 million. In 13 games last season with the Devils, he had three goals and three assists for six points. He missed 65 games with a right knee injury. In 420 career NHL games, all with New Jersey, he has 163 goals and 178 assists for 341 points. This is a good signing for the Devils, as Parise has been one of the team's top offensive producers over the past several seasons. He has excellent goal-scoring ability, a great shot, and lots of speed. Look for Parise to bounce back from his injury-shortened 2010-11 season and have an excellent season offensively in 2011-12.

NY Islanders Acquire Brian Rolston from Devils for Trent Hunter

The New York Islanders have announced that they have acquired left wing Brian Rolston from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for right wing Trent Hunter. Rolston has one year left on his contract, while Hunter has two years left on his current deal. In 65 games last season with the Devils, Rolston had 14 goals and 20 assists for 34 points. He missed 14 games last December with a sports hernia. Hunter appeared in 17 games last season with the Islanders, scoring one goal and three assists for four points. He missed the last 61 games of the season with a torn left MCL. This move is really all about salary for both teams. For the Islanders, they add some salary in Rolston to help them get closer to the salary floor. He will also bring some offensive depth and veteran experience to the team. Adding Hunter gives the Devils a cheaper contract than Rolston's and gives them some extra salary cap space, which they used to help re-sign Zach Parise. It looks as if the Devils have no intentions of keeping Hunter, as GM Lou Lamoriello placed him and Colin White on waivers on Monday and stated he would buy out both contracts if the players went unclaimed. Both players went unclaimed yesterday and could be bought out soon, which would make them unrestricted free agents. More than likely Hunter will be bought out, which will give the Devils a little more salary cap space to possibly make moves during the rest of the off-season and during the 2011-12 season.

Devils Sign Johan Hedberg to One-Year Deal

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Johan Hedberg to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million. In 34 games last season, he posted a 15-12-2 record, three shutouts, a 2.38 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. Not a bad signing for the Devils, as Hedberg was solid in goal for the team last season as the backup to Martin Brodeur. Look for him to play just as well in 2011-12 as he did in 2010-11.

Devils Sign Andy Greene to Four-Year Extension

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed defenseman Andy Greene to a four-year contract extension worth $12 million. The deal will pay him $3 million per season. In all 82 games last season with New Jersey, he had four goals and 19 assists for 23 points. This isn't a bad signing for the Devils, as Greene brings solid puck-moving skills to the blueline. He is also very mobile and has a little offensive skill despite being somewhat inconsistent in his scoring. Look for him to play a top-four role on the team for the foreseeable future.

Devils Sign Jay Leach to One-Year Contract

According to thehockeynews.com, the New Jersey Devils have signed defenseman Jay Leach to a one-year, two-way contract worth $525,000. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He was acquired by New Jersey on February 9 from the San Jose Sharks along with Steven Zalewski in exchange for Patrick Davis and Michael Swift. Leach appeared in seven games with the Devils after the trade, scoring no points. He also appeared in 66 games with Worcester and Albany of the AHL, scoring two goals and seven assists for nine points. This is really just a depth signing for the Devils, as Leach will likely spend the majority of next season in the minors, where he will provide plenty of defensive depth and grit for Albany.

Devils Acquire Maxim Noreau from Wild for David McIntyre

The New Jersey Devils announced today that they have acquired defenseman Maxim Noreau from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for center David McIntyre. Noreau will be eligible for restricted free agency on July 1, while McIntyre still has one more year left on his current contract. In five games last season with the Wild, Noreau had no points. He also appeared in 76 games with Houston of the AHL, scoring 10 goals and 44 assists for 54 points. McIntyre played in 78 games with Albany of the AHL last season, scoring 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points. Not a bad depth move for the Devils, as Noreau has lots of offensive potential and can play with a little bit of toughness. There's a good chance he could make the team next season as a sixth or seventh defenseman. Noreau had fallen down the depth chart in Minnesota and would have had a hard time making the team given the number of offensive blueliners already on the roster. He will definitely get a chance to crack an NHL roster full time in New Jersey. As for the Wild, they get a little offensive depth in McIntyre, but he will likely spend all of next season in the minors.

Capitals Acquire Jason Arnott from Devils for David Steckel

The Washington Capitals have added some much needed depth at center by acquiring Jason Arnott from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for center David Steckel and a second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. Arnott will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, while Steckel still has two more seasons left on his current contract. In 62 games this season with the Devils, Arnott has 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points, while Steckel has five goals and six assists for 11 points in 57 games with the Capitals. Not a bad move for the Capitals, as Arnott brings them the second line center they have been seeking for much of the season. He also brings a good shot and some skill to the power play. For the Devils, they good a good faceoff man in Steckel, who is also versatile enough to play on the wing. He also has good size and some skill on the penalty kill, so he should be a good addition for New Jersey.

Sharks Acquire Davis, Swift from Devils for Leach, Zalewski

The San Jose Sharks announced on Wednesday night that they have acquired right wing Patrick Davis and center Michael Swift from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Jay Leach and center Steven Zalewski. Davis, Swift, and Zalewski will all be eligible for restricted free agency this summer, while Leach will be an unrestricted free agent. In 40 games this season with Albany of the AHL, Davis has 13 points, while Swift has 28 points in 48 games with Albany as well. In 50 games this season with Worcester of the AHL, Zalewski has 21 points, while Leach has five points with Worcester. This is really just a depth move for both teams, as all four players will likely spend the rest of the season in the minors. However, Leach could possibly see time with the Devils if injuries begin to mount on their blueline like they did earlier in the season.

Stars Acquire Jamie Langenbrunner from Devils

The Dallas Stars announced today that they have acquired right wing Jamie Langenbrunner from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a conditional third round pick in the 2011 Entry Draft. Langenbrunner, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, will begin his second stint with the Stars. He played in Dallas from 1994 to 2002 when he was traded to the Devils with Joe Nieuwendyk in exchange for Jason Arnott, Randy McKay, and a first round pick in 2002. In 31 games so far this season, he has four goals and 10 assists for 14 points. He missed eight games in November with a neck injury. In 996 career NHL games with the Stars and Devils, he has 232 goals and 388 assists for 620 points. Not a bad move for the Stars, as Langenbrunner will add lots of offensive depth to the team. He is extremely versatile and has lots of leadership qualities, so he should be an excellent addition for Dallas as they continue to make a push for the playoffs.

Devils Sign Forward Adam Mair to One-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have signed center Adam Mair to a one-year contract worth $515,000. He attended the Devils' training camp this past September on a tryout basis. In 69 games last season with the Buffalo Sabres, he had six goals and eight assists for 14 points and 73 penalty minutes. In three games so far this season, he has no points. This is really just a depth signing for the Devils, as Mair was signed right after tough-guy forward Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond was suspended one game for an instigator penalty and subsequently demoted to the minors by the team. Mair will bring plenty of toughness and grit to the checking lines and is also versatile, as he can play all three forward positions.

Devils Sign Ilya Kovalchuk to New 15-Year, $100 Million Contract

The New Jersey Devils announced on Saturday that they have officially re-signed left wing Ilya Kovalchuk after the NHL approved a new 15-year, $100 million contract. The deal will average out to $6.66 million per season. The Devils had re-signed the Russian sniper to a 17-year, $102 million contract on July 19, but the deal was rejected by the NHL on the grounds that it circumvented the salary cap. The contract was brought before an arbitrator and was voided, forcing the Devils to re-negotiate a new contract that would have to be approved by the NHL. The Devils acquired Kovlachuk from the Atlanta Thrashers on February 4 along with Anssi Salmela and a second round draft pick in 2010 in exchange for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier, a first round pick in 2010, and a second round pick in 2010. He had 41 goals and 44 assists for 85 points in 76 games last season. Finally, the Ilya Kovalchuk contract fiasco has come to an end! I have to admit, I didn't report more on the situation because I grew tired of reading about it. Thankfully it's all over with now and everyone involved can move on. As for the Devils, they have successfully retained one of the top scorers in the NHL and a very talented forward who is great on the power play. After the trade last season, Kovalchuk didn't seem to fit in very well with the team, as his offensive game seemed a little sluggish at times. Although, as time goes on, he should be able to adjust more to the Devils' style of play and should be one of their top offensive contributors for years to come.

Devils Re-Sign Mark Fraser, Add Chad Wiseman

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have avoided arbitration with defenseman Mark Fraser and re-signed him to a one-year contract worth $500,000. The team also announced that they have signed free agent left wing Chad Wiseman to a one-year contract. Financial terms of his deal were not disclosed. In 61 games last season with New Jersey, Fraser had three goals and three assists for six points and 36 penalty minutes. Wiseman played in 67 games with Springfield of the AHL last season, scoring 24 goals and 35 assists for 59 points and 83 penalty minutes. Fraser isn't a bad signing for the Devils, as he has good size and plays with plenty of toughness. Wiseman is really nothing more than a depth signing for the team, as he will likely spend most of next season in the minors, providing plenty of scoring depth and toughness for Lowell of the AHL.

Devils Re-Sign Davis, Eckford, Magnan-Grenier

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have re-signed right wing Patrick Davis and defensemen Tyler Eckford and Olivier Magnan-Grenier to one-year contracts. Financial terms of all three deals were not disclosed. These are really just depth signings for the Devils, as all three players will likely spend most of next season in the minors.

Devils Sign Ilya Kovalchuk to Reported 17-Year Contract

The New Jersey Devils have announced that they have re-signed winger Ilya Kovalchuk and they will announce the signing at a press conference on Tuesday. The deal is reportedly for 17 years and worth $102 million. The deal averages out to $6 million per season. It was reported on July 5 in the New York Post that the Devils and Kovalchuk were close on a seven year deal worth $60 million. The Los Angeles Kings were rumoured a potential destination for the 27-year-old winger, and in fact, contracts talks with the Kings reportedly started and stopped three times over the last few weeks as both sides attempted to come to an agreement. The Devils acquired Kovlachuk from the Atlanta Thrashers on February 4 along with Anssi Salmela and a second round draft pick in 2010 in exchange for Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, Patrice Cormier, a first round pick in 2010, and a second round pick in 2010. He had 41 goals and 44 assists for 85 points in 76 games. Finally, the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes is over! It will be interesting to see if the contract is the seven-year, $60 million one reported on July 5 or if it ends up being a different. When the Devils acquired Kovalchuk, it seemed like a great deal, as they were getting a decent goal-scorer who is great on the power play. However, he didn't seem to fit in very well with the team. As time goes on, hopefully Kovalchuk will be able to adjust more to the Devils' style of play.

EDIT
17 years is an awful long time to commit to a player who is already 27-years-old. I could see a seven year deal, but 17 years is far too long. The deal will expire when Kovalchuk is 44-years-old, so it will be interesting to see if he will actually play out the entire contract.

EDIT
The NHL has rejected Kovalchuk's 17-year contract on the grounds that it circumvents the salary cap. According to tsn.ca's Darren Dreger, the deal was rejected because the NHL does not believe that either Kovalchuk nor the Devils expect him to be playing near the end of the contract and that it is a case of artifically lowering the annual average value of the contract. The Devils must now file the contract once again or the NHLPA can file a grievance. I have no comment on the matter other than a 17-year contract was absolutely ridiculous in the first place. Looks like it's back to the drawing board for the Devils and Kovalchuk.