BUTTON'S BREAKDOWN
Former Calgary Flames' GM Craig Button is an analyst for the NHL Network. He will breakdown each trade as we approach the 2009 Trade Deadline. Catch Button when he joins Brian Duff, Gary Green, Bill Clement and Eric Duhatschek on the NHL Network's Trade Deadline Special Wednesday (3-6 p.m ET). The Trade Deadline Special will be streamed live on NHL.com, as well.
BUTTON SAYS...
Niclas Havelid is a very competitive player who skates well, is strong positionally and can move the puck either by skating or with solid passing. He can be physical and is capable of playing a lot of important minutes. A great fit for the Devils, who will strengthen their defensive group.
Anssi Salmela is a skilled-type defenseman who will be given opportunity to play to his skill set in Atlanta under John Anderson's style.
Myles Stoesz is a tough guy with a fighting background.
Havelid, 35, had two goals and 13 assists in 63 games for the Thrashers this season and has career totals of 34 goals and 133 assists for 167 points and 336 games between Atlanta and the Anaheim Ducks. He will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
"Niclas Havelid is a veteran defenseman who brings a wealth of experience to our hockey team," Lamoriello said. "We look forward to Niclas joining our defensive corps."
Salmela is in his first season in North America and has split time between New Jersey and Lowell of the American Hockey League. He had three assists and six penalty minutes in 17 games with New Jersey and is 8-16-24 with 41 penalty minutes in 38 games with Lowell.
Stoesz, 22, has recorded seven points (four goals, three assists) and 158 penalty minutes in 43 games this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL. The Steinbach, Manitoba, native has appeared in 107 career games with the Gladiators, recording 13 points (eight goals, five assists) and 449 penalty minutes. It is likely he will report to ECHL Trenton.
New Jersey will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday night.
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