Glocally Newark

The New Jersey Devils did a whole lot to improve their chances at winning the Stanley Cup.

Ilya Kovalchuk

According to NJ.com the New Jersey Devils made a blockbuster deal to acquire superstar winger, Ilya Kovalchuk from the Atlanta Thrashers.

Sent to the Thrashers in exchange for Kovalchuk is defender Johnny Oduya, youngster Patrice Cormier, forward Niclas Bergfors and the Devils first round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft.

Also coming over to New Jersey is former Devil, Anssi Salmela.

On paper Kovalchuk makes the Devils exponentially better especially in the offensive category, which is an area they have struggled in as of late. As a matter of fact in their last game against Toronto on Tuesday night the team was shutout.

Last season in 79 games with Atlanta, Kovalchuk scored 43 goals and tallied 91 points. This season he is performing at a similar pace, having scored 31 goals despite an injury.

The eight year veteran has spent his entire career in a Thrashers uniform and was recently named their team captain in 2009.

While there is no question in my mind this deal is great for the Devils in 2010 I am a bit concerned what happens following the conclusion of the season. It does not appear that it will be easy to re-sign Kovalchuk, considering he turned down a mammoth 12 year deal worth well over $100 million to stay in Atlanta.

To me the long-term successfullness of this deal hinges on the Devils ability to bring Kovalchuk back after this year. If they are able to then the deal looks great for them from all angles as they are getting one of the NHL’s finest while he is still in his prime.

If they are unable to bring him back then I believe the team has hurt themselves a bit going forward especially by parting with Oduya and the first rounder.

One thing is certain; the Devils are in it to win it in 2010 and are certainly one of the favorites to make a run at the prestigious Stanley Cup.

All in all, I must say that I give this trade a big thumbs up. Now its your turn what do you guys think of the deal? Did the Devils give up too much in terms of talent or was this trade a steal for them? Sound off in the comments section!