Devils sign Anssi Salmela

The New Jersey Devils signed defenseman Anssi Salmela this the same guy that David Backes beat the snot out of during he 2008 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships. It makes me wonder if Backes and Salmela will take another dance this next season? Gary Betteman announced this past winter that "every team will play every other team at least once." Hopefully next time Salmela gets into a fight on the ice he will learn to drop his stick.

Devils sign defenseman Anssi Salmela New Jersey Devils May 30, 2008, 12:24 PM EDT newjerseydevils.com – The Devils today signed defenseman Anssi Salmela to his first North American contract. The announcement was made by Devils' President/CEO/ General Manager Lou Lamoriello. As per club policy, no further terms were disclosed. Salmela, 23, recorded 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points while appearing in all 56 games with Tappara (Fin.) in 2007-08. Among defensemen, his 16 goals scored were tops in the Finnish League. Salmela returned to Tappara this past season after spending nearly two years with the Pelicans (Fin.). The 5-11, 190-lb. defenseman previously played two-plus seasons with Tappara beginning in 2003-04. Salmela's Finnish League totals show 36 goals and 42 assists for 78 points and 208 penalty minutes in 226 appearances. His European teammates included former Devils' forward Janne Ojanen (Tappara) and current prospect Vili Sopanen (Pelicans). Internationally, Salmela represented Finland at the 2004 World Junior Championship and, most recently, the 2008 World Championship in Quebec City, Que., and Halifax, N.S.