The New Jersey Devils have acquired Tuomo Ruutu from the Carolina Hurricanes, according to TSN. Andrei Loktionov and a conditional 3rd rounder in 2017 will be heading the other way for Ruutu.
Ruutu is a good two-way player who's been having a down season for Kirk Muller and the Hurricanes. He can play anywhere in the top-9 and contribute to both special teams units. While his numbers haven't been overly impressive, he can help the Devils and did play pretty well for Finland at the Olympics. Though Ruutu is probably a better fit for Pete DeBoer's system than Loktionov was, his $4.75 cap hit will be a tough pill to swallow with Ruutu having two years remaining on his deal.
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Update 10:07 a.m. ET: Brodeur is willing to take on a lesser role to play for a contender, according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet. Johnston listed the Penguins, Sharks and Kings as some potential landing spots that Brodeur would go to.
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The trade deadline is finally here.
Leading up to 3 p.m. (ET) when trades can no longer be completed, the expectation is that Devils GM Lou Lamoriello will try and upgrade his group of forwards by adding some offensive ability. He may also move an icon and future Hall of Famer in Martin Brodeur, who is still looking for a trade.
I listed some potential trade targets the other day and described why they could be a fit in more detail, but if you just want names here are a few to watch:
LW Mike Cammalleri - Calgary LW Matt Moulson - Buffalo RW Ales Hemsky - Edmonton C David Legwand - Nashville W/C Cory Conacher - Ottawa (waivers)
It should be a fun day and I'll be with you the whole way through, so be sure to check back often for blog updates and follow me on Twitter.
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