Ducks trade Vatanen to Devils for Henrique, Blandisi

The New Jersey Devils acquired defenseman Sami Vatanen from the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday in exchange for forwards Adam Henrique and Joseph Blandisi, as well as a conditional third-round draft pick in 2018, the club announced.

Vatanen immediately slots into New Jersey's top four blue-liners along with rookie Will Butcher and Co.

"In acquiring Sami, we bring on a right shot, top-four defenseman who can play in all situations," Devils general manager Ray Shero said in a team release.

"This move also gives us contract certainty on the back end for the next two-plus years. When acquiring a defenseman like Vatanen, you have to give back quality assets or players in return."

Anaheim addressees a glaring need of its own by adding some offensive help in Henrique. The team is dealing with injuries to top-six forwards Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Kesler, and Patrick Eaves.

In addition to acquiring a perennial 20-goal, 40-plus-point threat in Henrique, the Ducks also add Blandisi, a 50-goal man with the OHL's Barrie Colts only three seasons ago.

Blandisi has yet to suit up for the Devils this season, while Henrique has four goals and 10 assists in 24 games played.

Vatanen has four points in 15 games for Anaheim since returning from offseason shoulder surgery.

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