The Devils struck a deal with the Penguins on the eve of the 05-06 OTHL season. Alexei Kovalev, Ian Moran and prospect Patrick Bartschi are now with New Jersey. Sent to Pittsburgh is Vyacheslav Kolzlov, prospects Alexander Suglobov and Barry Tallackson.
Kovalev's firepower is most welcome in New Jersey. The defending champs know that they have a tough road ahead of them and a big shooter like Kovalev gives the team a shot in the arm.
Devils GM Dylan McLaughlin on the trade
"We are sad to see Slava Kozlov go. He was great for us in the 05 playoffs and played a major role. But with Elias gone, we needed some extra horsepower. Kovalev is up and down but when he is up, he is one of the best."
Pittsburgh gets two good looking prospects. Both Suglobov and Tallackson are close to playing in the pros but probably still a year away.
Kovalev joined his new team just in time to take on the Oilers in Edmonton. The Devils outshot the home side 29-9, but were deadlocked, 1-1 late in the third. A brilliant shot by Kubina beat Garon with less than a minute to go in regulation time.
Reporting for the Devils