The Winnipeg Jets announced today they have traded forward Alexei Ponikarovsky to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for a 2013 seventh round draft pick and a 2014 fourth round draft pick.

"Earlier in the day we acquired Eric Tangradi from the Pittsburgh Penguins," said Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. "He's a player who has gone through the development cycle and is someone who had some opportunities to play within their system.

"Upon acquiring him, we had the opportunity to open up some roster space and some ice time for him. He's 24 years old and we're very hopeful that he is someone that given an opportunity to play within our organization is going to blossom and continue to move forward.

It was really more about creating an opening and an opportunity for Eric as opposed to anything with Alexei."

Ponikarovsky, 32, has played in 12 games for the Winnipeg Jets so far this season. In that time, the left-winger recorded two goals and six penalty minutes. He has played in 648 career NHL games between Toronto, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Carolina, New Jersey and Winnipeg for 316 career points (137G, 179A) and 411 career penalty minutes. Ponikarovksy returns to New Jersey where he played 33 games during the 2011-12 NHL season for 18 points (7G, 11A) and eight penalty minutes.

He was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round, 87th overall, in the 1998 NHL Draft.