The New Jersey Devils traded pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Damon Severson to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a 2023 third-round pick originally owned by the Calgary Flames, the teams announced.
Just prior to the trade, Severson signed an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $6.25 million. The signing had to be completed before the trade in order for Severson to receive the maximum eight-year term.
This marks the second splash of the week by Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in an effort to bolster his blue line after acquiring Ivan Provorov from the Philadelphia Flyers as part of a three-way trade on Tuesday.
“Damon is a versatile defenseman who has great vision, moves the puck extremely well, has good size, and can play heavy minutes at both ends of the ice,” Kekalainen said in a statement. “We are excited to have him join the Blue Jackets, as he will be a very important part of our blue line for many years to come.”
