Confirmed Trade: [CAR/NJD] Sami Vatanen (50%), for Frederik Claesson, Janne Kuokkanen, and cond. 2020 4th round pick

[thethinglonger]

Was there a good estimate on his return date from injury?

While not an exact date, apparently the Canes are expecting him back "early March"

 

[Mildan]

So you f

You dont want to sign Vatanen, he is injury prone and not a very good 5 on 5 defensmen.

So you figure his NHL career ends to this season as no one will sign him?

 

[devils29]

Already disappointed with a 2nd and B Prospect.

What happened after reading this ?

It’s like Fitz used up all his negtotiating tactics with Greene and Coleman then said “F it, take whatever you want”

 

[TheUnseenHand]

It’s like Fitz used up all his negtotiating tactics with Greene and Coleman then said “F it, take whatever you want”

The return really wasn't that bad. We traded an injured UFA. I actually think we did pretty well given the circumstances.

 

[vorbis]

if the Devils are able to get Kuokkanen plenty of ice time in the NHL for the rest of this season, it will go a long way towards maximizing their return in this trade. I've always liked Janne's game, but he seemed unable to translate it into NHL production in the fits and starts he's been given in Raleigh. there's a decent chance the light bulb will come on at some point, and then you're looking at a solid winger who can buoy the production of a 3rd line and get you 45+ points here and there. but that development has to come. he's got nothing left to prove in the AHL, except for answering the question of whether or not that's the best he's going to get.

there's been some whispers that if he doesn't get a chance in the NHL soon, he might bugger off back to Finland. so yeah, play him in Jersey and see what you've got.

 

[Lempo]

there's been some whispers that if he doesn't get a chance in the NHL soon, he might bugger off back to Finland. so yeah, play him in Jersey and see what you've got.

He's signed for 2020-21. Would need to defect to leave before that, and I don't know what the IIHF/NHL transfer agreement says about IIHF league team signing an NHL defector.

There's obviously the option of not signing as an RFA in/after summer 2021, but... would be funny if mostly the Oulu boys get offer sheeted.

But if the whispers are true, this is not optimal:

Kuokkanen is going to fight for a spot on the New Jersey Devils as early as next preseason. We think he eventually loses out to the likes of Joey Anderson and Nick Merkley, but he’s close and that matters. Getting an asset so young and without conditions makes it easier if the conditions of the draft pick aren’t met.

New Jersey Devils: Reason Janne Kuokkanen Is Worth Sami Vatanen

 

[MMC]

 

[devils29]

Wow that seems quite overly complexed for a 3rd/4th round pick