The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired defenseman Damon Severson in a sign-and-trade deal with the New Jersey Devils on Friday.
Severson signed an eight-year contract before the trade, which will return a 2023 third-round draft pick to the Devils. Sportsnet reported the contract has an average annual value of $6.25 million.
The 28-year-old Severson would have been one of the top players available in free agency, which opens July 1. A second-round pick by the Devils in 2012, Severson has played in 647 games with New Jersey, recording 263 points (58 goals, 205 assists) and 388 penalty minutes.