Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today acquired defenseman Ryan Graves from Colorado in exchange for forward Mikhail Maltsev and New Jersey's second-round pick (#61, previously acquired from NY Islanders) in the 2021 NHL Draft. The 6'5", 220lb. blueliner has two years left on his contract with an average-annual value of $3,166,667.
"Ryan brings physicality, size, an ability to defend in tough situations and a fearless compete level that makes him tough to play against," said New Jersey Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald. "His assertive style of play and ability to play with young defensemen are characteristics that fit into what we are building with our group."
Graves, 26, scored two goals and 13 assists for 15 points with 55 penalty minutes in 54 games with the Avalanche last season, and posted one goal and five assists for six points in 10 games during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He led the club in short-handed time on ice per game (3:18), penalty minutes (55), blocked shots (91) and second in hits (77). Graves' short-handed time on ice per game ranked third in the League and his penalty minutes total ranked 14th.
Devils Acquire Defenseman Ryan Graves from Colorado I RELEASE
New Jersey sends Mikhail Maltsev and a second-round pick to Avalanche