Devils Acquire Jason Arnott

[grits207]

The New Jersey Devils re-acquired center Jason Arnott from the Nashville Predators in exchange for right wing Matt Halischuk and their second-round selection in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

“Jason Arnott is a player who brings size, strength, and experience to our hockey club,” said Lamoriello. There is no question he strengthens our center ice position.”

Arnott, 35, recorded 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points and 26 penalty minutes in 63 games last season. The 6-5, 220-lb. forward has career totals of 383 goals and 490 assists for 873 points and 1,176 penalty minutes in 1,099 career games over 16 seasons with Edmonton, New Jersey, Dallas, and Nashville. Arnott also appeared in 106 career playoff contests. He totaled 97 goals and 124 assists for 221 points and 285 penalty minutes in 302 regular-season games with New Jersey.

Born October 11, 1974, he is best-remembered for his 2000 Stanley Cup-clinching goal in double overtime of game six at Dallas. Arnott was originally acquired by the Devils from the Oilers on January 4, 1998. A native of Collingwood, Ont., he appeared in the 1997 and 2008 NHL All-Star Games and was named to the league’s 1994 All-Rookie Team. Arnott was a member of Canada’s Gold Medal-winning squad at the 1994 World Championships. He was Edmonton’s first choice and seventh overall selection in the 1993 Entry Draft.

[Nightshade88]

Didn't the Devils try the veteran thing last year?

However Arnott should be captain of the Devils. He is a true leader.

[Cat Smasher]

What's up with Nashville?

[FightingIsGood]

Originally Posted by Cat Smasher

What's up with Nashville?

No money, apparently. So they're trying to send off some of their vets to get more inexpensive young players and picks.

[brandonh19]

Vacant "c" will most likely go to Weber, whats arnotts cap hit? if hits sort of large doesn't that hinder a chance for them to resign kovalchuck?

[Nightshade88]

Weber should be a good Captain.

[grits207]

Originally Posted by brandonh19

Vacant "c" will most likely go to Weber, whats arnotts cap hit? if hits sort of large doesn't that hinder a chance for them to resign kovalchuck?

His cap hit is $4.5M. At this point it doesn't seem like there is any chance of Kovy being re-signed.

[The Woodsman]

I don't care what anybody says, this is a good move by the Devils in bringing Arnott back. He has flown under the radar since the lockout, but it looks like they are going to try to win another cup before Marty hangs 'em up. Arnott can still play like hell, the guy had his most productive year as far as putting the puck in the net in '09. He is a great fit in New Jersey.

[NJDevils17]

I love it! Arnott was one of my favorites and hopefully him and Elias can reproduce some A Line magic like in the early 2000's!

It's an even trade I think. Halischuk is solid, may need a little more time to develop, but he's a good kid who works hard.

[FrontLineAdmirals]

Arnott did not play like a captain with this team. I'm glad to see him gone...although I did (somewhat) appreciate his time here.

I'm fine with them dealing Jason & Dan. Maybe they'll actually sign someone with both grit & heart.

[PuckHogs29]

Originally Posted by Nightshade88

Didn't the Devils try the veteran thing last year?

However Arnott should be captain of the Devils. He is a true leader.

Arnott is a true center who can play on the top lines, that's something the Devils didn't have last year whether veteran or youth. If they need him to he can center one of the scoring lines and take some pressure off the younger center prospects the Devils have.

As for the cap situation, it still depends on what happens with Paul Martin.

[bengino]

after seeing that, it just appears like Nashville got even less in return then Montreal got for Halak... and Arnott's contract isn't done just yet.

[PuckHogs29]

Originally Posted by bengino

after seeing that, it just appears like Nashville got even less in return then Montreal got for Halak... and Arnott's contract isn't done just yet.

Yeah I'm not sure Halischuk is ever going to turn into a pro. He does work his balls off every game but he just doesn't seem to be able to break through. If Bergfors had Halischuk's work ethic he'd still be a Devil.

[Grittzkey]

I didn't expect people to be so excited for giving up a 2nd rounder for a soon-to-be retiree.

[PuckHogs29]

Originally Posted by Grittzkey

I didn't expect people to be so excited for giving up a 2nd rounder for a soon-to-be retiree.

Because the Devils have plenty of prospects at center, and this allows them another year to develop. Next year, Arnott included, the Devils will have a lot of money coming off the cap, and the 2011 free agent crop will be much better than this year's. I'd rather have Jason Arnott for a year than any of the other veteran free agent centers out there.