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According to a tweet from Devils beat reporter Tom Gulitti, the New Jersey Devils have traded LW Stefan Matteau to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for RW Devante Smith-Pelly.
Stefan Mateau traded to Montreal for Devante Smith-Pelly.
— Tom Gulitti (@TGfireandice) February 29, 2016
So Long, Stefan
Matteau was drafted 29th overall by New Jersey in the 2012 NHL Draft. He had 3 goals and 2 assists in 44 NHL games with the Devils.
Welcome to New Jersey
Devante Smith-Pelly was picked 42nd overall by Anaheim in the 2010 NHL Draft. In his fourth season with the Ducks, he was traded to Montreal. He is a power forward who is not afraid to take the body.
While he has 55 points (21 goals, 34 assists) in 195 regular season games, he also has 6 goals and 2 assists in 24 playoff games with Anaheim and Montreal, including one game winning goal.
Your Take
While Stefan Matteau has not seen a significant amount of ice time with NJ, many fans were hopeful for his future. As of today, however, that future will continue north of the border.
What do you think of Shero's move for Smith-Pelly? How do you think he will fit in the Devils' growth plan on offense? Would you have preferred a flashy scorer for a gritty forechecker?
Don't forget to jump in on our open post for NHL Trade Deadline day.