Devils acquire Marc Savard’s cap hit in deal with Panthers

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The New Jersey Devils have acquired forward Marc Savard and a 2018 second-round pick from the Florida Panther in exchange for or forwards Graham Black and Paul Thompson, the clubs announced Friday.

Savard has not played since 2011 due to injury, but the addition of his $4,027,143 cap hit will help bring the Devils closer to the salary cap floor. The 38-year-old two-time all-star has one year left on a seven-year, $28.150-million deal and will be paid $575,000 (via generalfanager.com) in actual salary next season.

The Panthers have effectively cleared some space under the cap with free agency season around the corner.

Thompson played in three NHL games with the Devils last season. The 27-year-old totalled 13 goals and 35 points in 56 games with the Albany Devils of the American Hockey League. Black skated in 50 games with Albany and registered seven goals and nine points.

Savard has scored 207 goals and totalled 706 points in 807 career NHL games with the New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers, and Boston Bruins.

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