Tuomu Ruutu is the newest Devil coming over from the Hurricanes at today’s deadline.
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On a day many players moved, the biggest one to stay put was Devils goalie Martin Brodeur. A day after making 20 saves in an emotional home start highlighting the Devils’ 4-3 win over the Red Wings, the 41-year old living legend wasn’t dealt. Instead, the all-time winningest goalie and shutout record holder who’s won three Stanley Cups and four Vezinas is likely to finish his career with the team that drafted him. As it should be.

One by one, the other goalie dominoes fell into place keeping Brodeur a Devil. When a Daily News report turned out to be false that had him moving to Minnesota where his twin sons attend Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, it was a good sign for New Jersey fans. Instead, the Wild picked up Ilya Bryzgalov from Edmonton. A day later, other potential target the Canadiens acquired Devan Dubnyk from the Predators. Jaroslav Halak was dealt from the Sabres to the Capitals. Other goalies moved including vet Tim Thomas, who left the Panthers after they picked up Roberto Luongo. He goes to the Stars to back up Kari Lehtonen with Florida getting Dan Ellis in return.

While the crazy goalie carousel revolved, Devils architect Lou Lamoriello did make one move trading for forward Tuomu Ruutu. He sent Andrei Loktionov and a conditional third round pick in 2017 to the Hurricanes for Ruutu. The recently turned 31-year old Finn is a feisty player who brings a physical element and can chip in offensively. Signed through 2015-16, his cap hit is $4.75 million. It’s being reported that Carolina will pick up a portion. How much that remains to be seen. Ruutu earns $5 million annually. In 56 games this season, he has five goals and 11 assists for 16 points with 34 penalty minutes.

Analysis: Given that he’s struggled the past couple of seasons also battling injuries, some Devil fans might not like the move. However, anyone who’s seen Ruutu knows better. He is more than only stats and provides New Jersey with another top nine forward who plays a rugged style. He can definitely help them down the stretch and is signed for two more years. They didn’t give up much. Loktionov is an enigmatic talented Russian who doesn’t fit under Pete DeBoer. He gets a fresh start in Raleigh.