"The Devils acquired left winger Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night in a trade for minor-league defenseman Joe Sova and a fourth-round draft pick in 2012.

Ponikarovsky, 31, has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) this season in 48 games. He is on a one-year contract for $1.5 million.

The struggle by Swedish left winger Mattias Tedenby this season is one reason general manager Lou Lamoriello felt he needed to make the move. The Devils have rotated forwards on their third and fourth lines all season.

"In my opinion, with the (lack of) depth of our forwards on the left side we needed size and strength," Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said. "We had an opportunity to get a veteran who can play any forward position. He'll play in the top nine (forwards). He's going to help us.""