NJ Devils Online
NEW JERSEY - The New Jersey Devils made two fairly big deals, one which shed millions in payroll in a step forward financially, however a step backward for the team's offensive firepower. The second which added millions in payroll, but with that, added a lethal offensive weapon.
The first trade saw the Devils and San Jose Sharks converge and strike a deal. The Devils received a rock of a defenseman in 25 year old Scott Hannan, who was recently named to Canada's 2004 World Cup team in place of the injured Rob Blake. In addition Brad Isbister and prospect David Cloutier also joined New Jersey. In return, the Devils sent top-line center Alexei Zhamnov to the Sharks, as well as Viktor Kozlov and prospect Andrei Posnov.
Zhamnov and Kozlov are both set to become unrestricted free agents once the inaugural OTHL season is over and the Devils' brass didn't feel there was enough room to keep either of them within the organization, losing them both also cut over 5 million in payroll. The Sharks shortly after dealt Zhamnov again, this time to the Phoenix Coyotes, where he first began his professional career. This deal brings Zhamnov to his 4th OTHL team already, starting in Philadelphia, moving to New Jersey, followed by San Jose and the present Phoenix.
Scott Hannan, the 25 year old defenseman, joins the Devils already solid defense corps and becomes the #3 man. Hannan's reliable defensive coverage and physical presence is a welcome addition to New Jersey, making him the second mullet-sporting Devil, his defensive partner, Brent Sopel, also sports a mullet.
"Hannan should challenge for sexiest man on the team, but I think I'll come out the victor.", joked Hannan's newest defensive partner, Brent Sopel.
The second trade, saw the Devils send Grant Marshall, prospect Chris Hartsburg and a 2nd round pick for the "Russian Rocket", Pavel Bure(pictured left) and prospect Nigel Dawes. Pavel Bure brings New Jersey the scoring from the right wing that they so desperately needed while Nigel Dawes is a solid but small prospect with the heart of a lion. However, Bure doesn't come cheap though at a cool $10 million a year, his salary puts the Devils a fair bit over the league salary cap.
Also, a New Jersey Devils Online inside source has told us that recently acquired forward Brad Isbister is on the move, it is strongly believed, that the recipient may be the Nashville Predators. Stay tuned to the NJ Devils Online, your inside source for New Jersey Devils information.