Alexei Ponikarovsky is excited to be back with the New Jersey Devils. He signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract from the Winnipeg Jets this past summer, but was traded by the team Wednesday after he scored just two goals in 12 games. "I was surprised and excited in the same time," said Ponikarovsky of being acquired by the Devils for the second year in a row. "I know the team, I know the way they play and I think a lot of things that were done in the past kind of suits me." He registered seven goals and 18 points in 33 contests with New Jersey last season after he was acquired from Carolina.

The Devils re-acquired Alexei Ponikarovsky from the Jets in exchange for a 2014 fourth rounder and seventh rounder in 2013. It's the second time general manager Lou Lamoriello has brought in the 6-foot-4 Russian as he was shipped from Carolina midway through last season. Ponikarovsky had two goals with Winnipeg, after notching 18 points in 33 games with New Jersey last year. WIth Dainius Zubrus about to have wrist surgery, Ponikarovsky will get an increased role with the Devils, but that doesn't mean he's suddenly worth going crazy for in fantasy leagues.

Alexei Ponikarovsky scored the lone goal of the game to give Winnipeg a 1-0 victory against Ottawa Saturday in matinee action. His second marker of the year was assisted by Kyle Wellwood.

Alexei Ponikarovsky had an assist in Donbass' 4-3 loss to Severstal Cherepovec on Saturday. Ponikarovsky has four goals and 17 points in 31 KHL games this season. He had 31 points in 82 games with the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils last season.

Alexei Ponikarovsky registered an assist in Donbass' 5-1 loss to Salavat Ufa. Ponikarovsky has four goals and 14 points in 22 KHL games this season. He had 14 goals and 19 assists in 82 contests with the New Jersey Devils and Carolina Hurricanes in 2011-12.

Alexei Ponikarovsky scored the deciding goal in Donbass' 4-1 win over Salavat Ufa. Ponikarovsky now has four goals and 12 points in 19 KHL contests. Ruslan Fedotenko assisted on Ponikarovsky's goal.

Alexei Ponikarovsky scored a goal and registered an assist in Donbass' 5-4 loss to Dinamo Minsk. Ponikarovsky has four points in eight KHL games. He signed a one-year/$1.8 million deal with the Winnipeg Jets before the lockout.

Alexei Ponikarovsky will suit up for Donbass Donetsk of the KHL during the NHL lockout. The Ukraine-based team also reportedly signed Philadelphia forward Ruslan Fedotenko. The two wingers agreed to terms hours after the NHL decided to lock out their players.

Alexei Ponikarovsky feels a sense of deja vu during this potential lockout after he experienced the canceled year in 2004-05. "I was through that in the last lockout in 2004. It's the same as before," said Ponikarovsky, who skated Tuesday with teammates and local NHLers at MTS Iceplex. "You're waiting to see what's going to happen, you're still training hard to get ready for the training camp. If it's not going to happen maybe you'll take a little break and then regroup and go again. We'll see. It's hard to say right now how long it's going to take and how long we have to wait for it." He also said he won't rush into a contract overseas if the beginning of the 2012-13 campaign is delayed by a work stoppage.

Alexei Ponikarovsky has landed a one-year, $1.8 million contract from the Winnipeg Jets. He split time between the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils last season, while earning himself a combined 14 goals and 33 points in 82 games. Ponikarovsky's fantasy value in Winnipeg will likely be marginal at best.