ST. LOUIS - Cam Janssen is heading back to his hometown.
The St. Louis Blues acquired the tough guy from the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday in exchange for defenceman Bryce Salvador.
"We feel that Cam's style of play will bring energy and grit to our lineup and being from St. Louis, feel that he will be an instant fan favourite here," said Blues president John Davidson. "Our depth at defence enabled us to make this move.
"We admire and respect Bryce as a player for what he did on and off the ice in St. Louis."
The 32-year-old Salvador had spent his entire career with the Blues after signing with them as a free agent. He's earning US$1.5 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
"In Bryce Salvador, we have acquired a veteran NHL defenceman with good size and strength who plays a physical game," said Devils president and GM Lou Lamoriello. "We look forward to the depth Bryce will bring to our roster."
In 447 career NHL games, Salvador has 63 points (16-47).
Janssen, 23, is under contract for the next two years at $550,000 per season. In 95 career games with the Devils, he has one goal and 205 penalty minutes.
Janssen spent most of the season on the long-term injury list after suffering a shoulder injury in the pre-season. He had not played in a game for the Devils this season.
Janssen played three games with Lowell of the American Hockey League on a conditioning stint. He did not record a point.