Hurricanes bring in Vatanen from Devils

The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Sami Vatanen to the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Janne Kuokkanen, defenseman Fredrik Claesson, and a conditional 2020 fourth-round pick, the team announced Monday. New Jersey will retain 50% of Vatanen's salary in the transaction.

If Vatanen plays in five regular-season games this campaign, it will remain a 2020 fourth-round pick. If he plays in 12 regular-season contests or 70% of playoff games, it will become a 2020 third-rounder, according to Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official website.

Vatanen, 28, recorded five goals and 18 assists in 47 games with the Devils this season. He's been out of action for the last 10 contests due to a lower-body injury.

Kuokkanen, 21, was selected in the second round by the Hurricanes in 2016. He's appeared in 11 NHL games, going pointless. This season, he's scored 12 goals and added 30 assists in 52 games with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers.

Claesson, 27, has played 150 career NHL games, recording six goals and 20 assists. He's spent the entire season with the Checkers, mustering three goals and 16 assists.

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