Devils acquire D Martin Skoula from Maple Leafs

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The New Jersey Devils have acquired veteran defenseman Martin Skoula from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a fifth-round draft pick.

The Devils announced the deal on Wednesday about three hours before the NHL trade deadline.

The 30-year-old Skoula had three goals and five assists in 33 games with Pittsburgh. He was traded to Toronto on Tuesday night as part of a deal that sent left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky to the Maple Leafs.

Skoula has played in 757 career NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild and Pittsburgh. He won the Stanley Cup while with the Avalanche in 2001.

While in Minnesota, the 6-foot-3, 225-pounder from the Czech Republic played for current Devils coach Jacques Lemaire.

“He gives us additional depth at the defensive position, while adding size and experience to our lineup,” Devils chief executive Lou Lamoriello said.