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Henrik Tallinder Joins Devils After Paul Martin Departs

Jul 1, 2010 – 4:15 PM
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Christopher Botta

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In need of a top defenseman even before they lost Paul Martin, the New Jersey Devils have signed Henrik Tallinder to a four-year contract worth $13.75 million.

The 31-year-old Tallinder will be counted on to anchor a New Jersey blueline that includes up-and-comer Andy Greene. He will not be able to make up for the loss of Martin, who signed a five-year deal with Pittsburgh on Thursday worth $25 million.

The 6-4, 215-pound Tallinder played all 82 regular season games with Buffalo last season. He had four goals, 16 assists and was a plus-13. He has played seven seasons with the Sabres since they selected him in the second round of the 1997 NHL Draft.

A very well-respected locker room leader, Tallinder could mentor many of the Devils' young players, including fellow Swede Mattias Tedenby. The Sabres lost defenseman Toni Lydman and Tallinder on the first day of unrestricted free agency.
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