Nikita Gusev Traded to Devils from Golden Knights for 2020, 2021 NHL Draft Picks

The New Jersey Devils announced Monday they had acquired Nikita Gusev in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. 

The Devils agreed to a $9 million contract over two years with the talented player.

Vegas received a third-round pick in the 2020 draft and a second-round pick in the 2021 draft in exchange for the left wing.

The 27-year-old has yet to appear in the NHL after beginning his career with the KHL in Russia. 

Gusev was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2012 but was traded to Vegas in 2017. He never played for either team but will now get a chance to showcase his skill in North America with New Jersey.

He had already proved himself on the international level, competing with Russia during world championships and Olympics. In the KHL, he earned four All-Star selections in seven seasons while winning the MVP award last season with SKA St. Petersburg.

His 65 assists and 82 points last year both led the league.

Scott Wheeler of The Athletic put the winger's production in context:

The addition is the latest in a big offseason for the Devils, which has also featured the arrivals of P.K. Subban and No. 1 overall draft pick Jack Hughes.

After finishing in last place in the Metropolitan Division last season, New Jersey is in much better shape as an organization going into 2019-20.