from Stan Fischler of MSG Networks,

POOF!

Just like that, the New Jersey Devils have established themselves as serious playoff contenders.

And if there’s any doubt about that, well, forget about it. The trade General Manager Ray Shero pulled off, obtaining ace defenseman Sami Vatanen, 26, seals the deal.

As one scout told me when he heard about the move, “The Devils now have a top-10 defense in the league.”

Exaggeration? Perhaps, but New Jersey is a mere point behind first-place Columbus — Devils have a game in hand — because of its surprising defense corps, starring rookie power-play quarterback Will Butcher.

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