Eastern conference. (NHL).

Atlantic Division

NEW JERSEY DEVILS Needed: The aging defense and small forward corps (which will get smaller if C Bobby Holik signs elsewhere) were due for a boost. The priority had to be defense. D Scott Stevens and Ken Daneyko eat up big minutes for a couple of geezers. When they retire, their replacements must be just as resilient.

Got: The Devils, who had to wait until the No. 51 spot to pick, took D Anton Kadeykin, a mystery pick by G.M. Lou Lamorlello. Lamoriello says Kadeykin had great results in physical tests and has "all-around skills."

NEW YORK ISLANDERS Needed: With top prospects G Rick DiPietro, LW Raffi Torres and D Branislav Mezei the Islanders have potential at all three positions. Still, drafting a defenseman wouldn't have been a bad idea. When the team's current defensive corps fades or burns out, reliable new blood will be needed.

Got: The Isles moved W Mariusz Czerkawski and received little (W/C Arron Asham and a fifth-round pick) from Montreal in return. With their first-round selection, they took left-shooting W Sean Bergenheim.

NEW YORK RANGERS Needed: With the team's lack of patience and tendency to make many moves, today's needs are met by tomorrow's trades. Forwards were the most highly sought commodity, in the short and long term--especially skilled centers. The Rangers are living dangerously with Eric Lindros, Mark Messier and Petr Nedved.

Got: The team was without a firstround pick, having dealt it to Florida in the Pavel Bure deal. It partially addressed one need by picking massive C Lee Falardeau (6-4, 203), who uses his size to crunch guys but has little offensive upside.