Confirmed with Link: Sami Vatanen signs with Devils 1yr 2m

[Billdo]

Vatanen plus Murray make a whole season defenseman. I dig it.

 

[martyisgod]

can he play goalie?

 

[ghughes20]

Good depth signing. Given the injury history, if you can get 1/2 season from both Murray and Vats that would be fine. More than that is gravy.

 

[MadDevil]

Oregon trail gif or it didn’t happen

 

[ChicksDigTheTrap]

Called this one back in July.

"That could happen. Vats said he liked it here. 1-2 year deal if no one else offers him anything, Why not?"

Devils 2020-21 team discussion (news, notes and speculation) - Part I | Page 11 | HFBoards - NHL Message Board and Forum for National Hockey League (mandatory.com)

 

[Devils731]

He's not really 2 way guy. He's not all that good defensively

He’s a guy who pretty consistently sees more shots on the opponents net than on his own when he’s on the ice. So I consider him a 2 way guy as his defense is good enough and his offense is good enough to tilt the ice his way. He isn’t amazing at either of those things.

 

[New Jersey Devils]

For viewing pleasure:

 

[Desert Devil]

This only makes us better. This makes me happy!

 

[None Shall Pass]

Sweet! I love his game.

 

[FooteBahl]

One year deal as per team Twitter

 

[SteveCangialosi123]

1 year $2 mil. Very movable deal. Can’t have a single complaint about that move.

 

[AfroThunder396]

I'm guessing we start with Kulikov as the #6 and Smith will occasionally rotate into his spot

 

[JK3]

Haha ok, what the hell, I like Vats, a bit of an adventure at times though.

 

[MartyOwns]

is there a NMC, do we know? gotta think he’s getting dealt in a few months

 

[Hisch13r]

He’s a guy who pretty consistently sees more shots on the opponents net than on his own when he’s on the ice. So I consider him a 2 way guy as his defense is good enough and his offense is good enough to tilt the ice his way. He isn’t amazing at either of those things.

That just isn't true though either. Part of his numbers being bad is definitely because he played for us but he always saw more shots, goals, shots attempts, expected goals against rather than for with us. Obviously a very small sample with Carolina in the playoffs and Slavin-Hamilton also suffered so I wouldn't look into it all that much but his numbers were bad there.

 

[FooteBahl]

 

[Cheddabombs]

Murray - Subban
Smith - Severson
Okhotiuk - Vatanen



move Butcher for a 5th

 

[Better Call Sal]

Yay!!!

I’m really happy about this, loved Sami and glad he is back.

 

[Devils731]

That just isn't true though either. Part of his numbers being bad is definitely because he played for us but he always saw more shots, goals, shots attempts, expected goals against rather than for with us. Obviously a very small sample with Carolina in the playoffs and Slavin-Hamilton also suffered so I wouldn't look into it all that much but his numbers were bad there.

You’re right. I’m looking at all TOI not ES.

His relative to the team numbers the last 2 years were break even.

I still think he fits more into a high tempo system than what the Devils ran and still think he’s a two way guy because of how he transitions the puck. He’s certainly not an offense only guy.

 

[Ripshot 43]

I love this signing. Between Sami, Murray and Kulikov we should be able to Voltron together 1 full season for a defenseman!

Seriously tho, I love Sami so I’m thrilled to have him back.

 

[Blackjack]

1 year $2 mil. Very movable deal. Can’t have a single complaint about that move.

Would be pretty cool to get a draft pick and another prospect out of Carolina for him at the deadline.

 

[captainscott]

well damn okay

some actual depth on defense is nice

maybe Butcher is on his way out

or they don't like what they have seen from the youngsters in camp? either way I love these types of signings and we got a a good player for him in the trade last time. he is a legit #4 NHL defenseman from the right side and will play #6 on this team behind PK and severs. so to me a great move. leaving. Murry, kulikov, ....... and butcher, smith, bahl, and others battling for 6/7 spot.. I like it

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

or they don't like what they have seen from the youngsters in camp? either way I love these types of signings and we got a a good player for him in the trade last time. he is a legit #4 NHL defenseman from the right side and will play #6 on this team behind PK and severs. so to me a great move. leaving. Murry, kulikov, ....... and butcher, smith, bahl, and others battling for 6/7 spot.. I like it

I mean sure I guess...but Ruff has made it a point many times to laud the young DMen, sometimes even unprompted

 

[captainscott]

I mean sure I guess...but Ruff has made it a point many times to laud the young DMen, sometimes even unprompted

I have not listened to a ton of interviews. I caught one when they were asking about butcher.. didn't sound like he was glowing over him.. gave him some standard lip service.. etc.. I don't see butcher in the longer term plans and he can bring something back in trade I believe will see what happens.. but the defense at least on paper looks much better to start he season. this year..

 

[Billdo]

We should just sign him to one year deals for as long as he'll take them and trade him at the deadline.

Murray-Subban
Butcher-Severson
Smith-Vatanen