Cullen for Hutchinson et al

The 'Canes have reacquired Matt Cullen from the Rangers in exchange for Andrew Hutchinson, Joe Barnes and a third round draft pick.   

The 'Canes get: the third-line center that they were looking for, while giving up one of seemingly hundreds of No.6 or No.7 defensemen that they own. Barnes is a few years away from making the NHL and is a bit of a longshot to do so. He is way down my prospects list.

The Rangers get: some breathing room so they can sign Sean Avery and Marcel Hossa.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Suddenly, Jeff Hamilton truly is a utility player, as I said would be the case when they signed him. He'll fill holes when needed and see time on the second PP unit. Cullen probably becomes a 45- to 50-point player on Carolina again. As for Hutchinson…while changing teams could never be a bad thing – as the new coach might take a liking to you – I actually see even less room on the Rangers back end (with the man advantage) then there was on the 'Canes. Don't expect big things.