The mystery is solved.
The Devils announced this morning that they have signed -- drum roll, please.......
Right wing Ilkka Pikkarainen.
Pikkarainen, 28, was the Devils' seventh-round pick in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. He has been playing for HIFK Helsinki in Finland the last three seasons. Terms were not released. I'll post them when I get that information.
“Ilkka Pikkarainen is a forward who brings size, strength, scoring, and toughness to our roster,” said Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello said in a statement. “We welcome him back to our hockey club."
In 2008-09, the 6-foot-2, 220-pound native Sonkajarvi, Finland had 24 goals, 13 assists and 149 penalty minutes in 54 games,
In 2006-07, he had 17 goals, 20 assists and 140 penalty minutes in 53 games. In the 2007-08, he had eight goals, 10 assists in 37 games.
Prior to that, he played three seasons for the Devils' AHL affiliate, the Albany River Rats, but never played in an NHL regular season game.
His best season in Albany was 2004-05, when he had 12 goals, 12 assists and 104 penalty minutes in 71 games.
I vaguely recall Pikkarainen from training camps with the Devils. He might have played in some NHL exhibition games. I'll see if I can find that information.
Who?
Posted by: Dan | July 02, 2009 at 10:20 AM
if nothing else, atleast he has a cool name
Posted by: JT | July 02, 2009 at 10:20 AM
just saw this on the devils website
Posted by: Jersey Mike | July 02, 2009 at 10:22 AM
I know nothing of this person but seriously, wtf LOU!!!
Posted by: Nick L | July 02, 2009 at 10:22 AM
YES!!!!! REJOICE!!!!
Posted by: Pam | July 02, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Rupp's replacement?
Posted by: njhillbilly | July 02, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Glad we found our 2nd line play making center...
Posted by: Dan | July 02, 2009 at 10:24 AM
The mystery is why did he sign him???? WTF?????
Posted by: Jack the Bear | July 02, 2009 at 10:24 AM
I'm ordering my jersey as we speak
Posted by: Kris | July 02, 2009 at 10:24 AM
is lou going "green". has he become the biggest recycler in the league today. he just made a comment on how the team needs to move forward, but his first new signing in the off season isnt even a new signing. i am confused by lou. i hope it works.
Posted by: brian s | July 02, 2009 at 10:25 AM
let me be the 1st to say B.F.D.
Posted by: MattP | July 02, 2009 at 10:25 AM
.......right.
Posted by: JPOLL | July 02, 2009 at 10:26 AM
This guy looks like the Euro version of Clarkson.
Posted by: C.J. | July 02, 2009 at 10:27 AM
The second coming of ... Mike Motteau? If you thought that move was genius, then this pickup is for you!
Posted by: Alz | July 02, 2009 at 10:27 AM
He seems like he has pretty good numbers last season. I'll just wait and see hopefully he has some speed since he is from Finland.
Posted by: Bill | July 02, 2009 at 10:27 AM
This is just a signing to replace the guys in Lowell who are going to make the team this year.....calm down people.
Posted by: Mike O. | July 02, 2009 at 10:28 AM
looking at this as a replacement for rupp this looks good on paper. hes basically a more offense oriented rupp.
Posted by: skly25 | July 02, 2009 at 10:28 AM
wow not jagr
www.newjerseydevilsnews.wordpress.com
for a HUGE RUMOR
Posted by: Brandon | July 02, 2009 at 10:29 AM
This will DEF make the top story on TSN
Posted by: Devl23 | July 02, 2009 at 10:30 AM
the move we all have been waiting for....Welcome Ikka!
Posted by: HF | July 02, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Beefing up the Finnish contingent on the team to entice Koivu to sign with the team, perhaps?
Posted by: Andrew | July 02, 2009 at 10:31 AM
Yes....
Posted by: I | July 02, 2009 at 10:32 AM
uh ok..cool?
Posted by: Justin | July 02, 2009 at 10:33 AM
thats what i was thinking.... hopefully it works to bring koivu in
Posted by: Marcus Crespilho | July 02, 2009 at 10:33 AM
great move lou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mike t | July 02, 2009 at 10:34 AM