DEVILS STAY IN HUNT, REEL IN RUUTU
The New Jersey Devils acquired winger Tuomo Ruutu from the Carolina Hurricanes for center Andrei Loktionov and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2017.
What does it give the New Jersey Devils
It would appear Devils GM {B Lou Lamoriello} is trying to stay in the playoff hunt here by adding Ruutu, who piles up hits and can score the odd goal. It's a fairly steep price cap-wise, however; Ruutu will count for $4.75 million against the Jersey cap in both of the next two seasons. Then again, Lamoriello has always shown a preference for proven vets in his forward core, so this isn't exactly surprising (although Ruutu's tendency to get injured adds even more risk to this swap).
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
Loktionov is a still-young player with a very high skill level, and while he absolutely won't add the physical element Ruutu brought, he could eventually end up centering Carolina's third line (if all goes well). More important for Carolina is ditching Ruutu's salary, which frees up almost $5 million in cap space over the next two seasons. The conditional third-round pick won't likely bring much help, but it's at least an asset along with Loktionov in this salary dump.
Fantasy impact
Ruutu should settle in right away on the third line for New Jersey, and help them capture a playoff spot (if all goes well). That won't change his limited fantasy value, except in leagues rewarding hits. Loktionov is a more intriguing fantasy prospect following this deal, since he gets a fresh start on a more youthful squad. He has the tools to be a fantasy contributor, but it will likely take him some time to find his way in Carolina.
