Devils Strengthen D With Havelid

TSN.ca reports that the New Jersey Devils have shipped Anssi Salmela to the Atlanta Thrashers for shot-blocker extraordinaire Niclas Havelid.

Havelid was one of many blueliners that have been rumored to be headed Boston, along with the likes of Chris Pronger (dead), Tomas Kaberle (denied by Leafs GM Brian Burke), Jordan Leopold (unknown) and Derek Morris.

The Devils give up a fringe player in return for a quality defenseman who will add some grit and toughness to the team. It's also a nice little stick to the Bruins who may have been interested in Havelid.

Just what the Devils need, another player to make them even more boring than they already are.