Alexei Ponikarovsky returns to Devils in trade with Jets

NEWARK, N.J. - The New Jersey Devils have acquired forward Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Winnipeg Jets for two draft picks.

Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello announced the trade Wednesday night. New Jersey sent a 2014 fourth-round choice and a 2013 seventh-round pick to Winnipeg to reacquire a player who helped the Devils to an Eastern Conference title last spring.

Ponikarovsky is viewed, among other things, as insurance for the first-place Devils. New Jersey forward Dainius Zubrus could be out up to two months with a wrist injury. Zubrus will have exploratory surgery on Thursday.

The Devils will play host to Philadelphia on Friday. Ponikarovsky, who had two goals for the Jets this season, expects to play vs. the Flyers.