Clearing roster space for a trade or to bring back Tommy Albelin, the Devils yesterday lost infrequently-used winger Andreas Salomonsson to the Caps on waivers.

Since there was no other urgency to make room on the 23-man roster, placing Salomonsson on waivers was a surprising move that adds fuel to the already-smoking rumbles that the Devils are hot on the trade trail.

Andrei Zyuzin’s name has been mentioned by several sources, with a deal for Florida’s Valeri Bure said to be a real possibility.

Salomonsson, 28, signed with the Devils before last season, playing 39 games with New Jersey, going 4-5-9 and minus-12.

Albelin, 38, was sent to Albany at cut-down time last week, having effectively cleared waivers by going unclaimed through the waiver draft.