The first deal sent LW Niklas Hagman, C Matt Stajan, RW Jamal Mayers, and D Ian White to Calgary in exchange for prospect Kieth Aulie, RW Fredrik Sjostrom, and D Dion Phaneuf.
Most of those players will arrive in their new cities and play as advertised: Stajan and Hagman will be 50-60 point a year guys and Ian White will be a gritty, consistant defenseman. Phaneuf, however, provides a huge upside for fantasy owners.
Dion broke out in 2007-08 with 17 goals and 60 points, and many places had him as a top 10 defenseman heading into last season. Instead, a season of inconsistency lead to a career low 47-point campaign in 08-09. A chance at the Canadian Olympic team was thought to surely bring Phaneuf back to his high water marks.
But Phaneuf owners have been severely disappointed thus far this season. He failed to make the Olympic team, and inconsistant play at both the offensive and defensive ends have led to only 22 points through 55 games. A change in scenery may be just what the doctor ordered for the hard-hitting Albertan native.
The Calgary Flames brought in a near carbon copy of Phaneuf in free agent Jay Bouwmeester during the off-season, and what was thought to be one of the top defensive cores in the league has proven to be one of the most underachieving. Moving out from under Bouwmeester and out of his home province should take a lot of burden off the young blueliner's shoulders and let him open up into his form from two years ago.
Dion's owners, who were shopping him around for cheap just a couple days ago, may have struck gold. There is still a chance that his numbers do not improve, but the upside is so great that he may be worth the gamble for many owners trying to make or secure a playoff spot.
The second deal sees Burke reunited with 2007 Stanley Cup winning netminder Jean-Sebastian Giguere. Giguere came from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for G Vesa Toskala and LW Jason Blake.
Two players stand out in this trade for potential fantasy increases. Blake will be inserted into a top-6 role in Anaheim, and will likely play on a line with Saku Koivu. When you throw in potential power play time with the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Bobby Ryan, and Corey Perry, its easy to understand why Blake's value should reach far and above his current 28.7% ownership in ESPN fantasy leagues.
As big of an upside as Blake has, the upside for Giguere is astronomical. J.S. will likely be inserted directly into the number 1 role in Toronto, given his relationship with Burke and Toronto goalie coach Francois Allaire (both of whom worked with Giguere in Anaheim). "The Monster" Jonas Gustavsson may be the future for the Maple Leafs, but his play has been very inconsistent and a steady veteran presence like Giguere's could go a long way towards his future development
Giguere could stand to pick up 10-15 wins on the season and develop into a top 10 fantasy goaltender down the stretch. That kind of potential cannot be ignored and if he is available, he at least deserves a look from owners in need of goaltending depth.
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