The New Jersey Devils have acquired F Nikita Gusev from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2021 second round pick and a 2020 third round pick. Gusev has immediately signed a two year deal worth $9 million ($4.5 AAV).
Gusev was a superstar in the KHL, and just came over to North America, but was an RFA. Vegas could not afford to sign him with their tight salary cap situation, and get two picks for him. The Devils add to their great offseason. They have brought in Gusev, plus Wayne Simmonds, Jack Hughes and PK Subban, the latter the only defenseman, but the best player. $4.5 million is more than expected, but the term is good and Gusev can be a top six threat.
Gusev, 27, scored 17 goals with 65 assists for 82 points in 62 games this year for the KHL\’s St. Petersburg SKA. In his KHL career for St. Petersburg, CSKA Moscow, Khabarovsk Amur and Khanty-Mansiysk Yugra, Gusev has scored 119 goals with 213 assists for 332 points in 391 games.
CarterHud 