New Jersey Makes Free-Agent Splash!

The New Jersey Devils are bringing back a familiar face as the team has agreed to terms with free-agent defenseman Sami Vatanen on a one-year deal worth $2 million.

$2M https://t.co/hcb15W5w8n
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 7, 2021

Vatanen, who was by far one of the best free agents left on the market heads back to the Devils and joins a defense core that stacks up against any in the league. New Jersey has already acquired Ryan Murray from Columbus and with a refreshed PK Subban, Will Butcher and an emerging Damon Severson, the team could surprise this season.

Last season Vatanen recorded 23 points in 47 regular season games for the Devils and only appeared in playoff games for the Carolina Hurricanes, chipping in with three assists in seven games.

Vatanen's best season came back in 2016 with the Anaheim Ducks where the versatile defender tallied 38 points in 71 games. Look for Vatanen to play both sides for the Devils, LD and RD, and don't expect the Devils to acquire anymore defenseman, because they now have eight who are capable.

Not a bad move for the Devils who were paying Vatanen $4.875 million last season, trade him away for two prospects and a fourth-rounder and now get to re-sign him and save themselves at least $2.8 million.