Kovalchuk in blockbuster deal to Devils

NEWARK, New Jersey: Russian sniper Ilya Kovalchuk was traded by the Atlanta Thrashers to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday as part of a blockbuster trade involving players and draft picks.

Kovalchuk (pictured) and Finnish defenseman Anssi Salmela were dealt to the Devils for Swedish defenseman Johnny Oduya, Swedish forward Niclas Bergfors, and suspended forward Patrice Cormier.

The Thrashers also get a first-round and a second-round draft pick this year while the Devils get the Thrashers' second-round pick this year.