Finnish forward Ilkka Pikkarainen returns to New Jersey Devils

NJ Devils sign Finnish forward

NEWARK, N.J. — Forward Ilkka Pikkarainen has rejoined the New Jersey Devils.

Devils’ President Lou Lamoriello announced the deal with the 6-foot-2, 220-pound player from Finland on Thursday, but contract details were not disclosed.

The 28-year-old was the Devils’ seventh-round pick in the 2002 NHL draft and spent three seasons with their top farm team in Albany, N.Y.

He returned to Finland and played the last three seasons with HIFK Helsinki, leading the team this year with 24 goals in 54 games.