Fantasy Analysis: The Colorado Avalanche have traded Wojtek Wolski to the Phoenix Coyotes for Peter Mueller and Kevin Porter.

I really like this deal for both teams…

The ‘Yotes get: an NHL forward who does one thing and one thing only – puts points on the board. Now. With Mueller they would have to wait probably two years and Porter, too, for that matter. In Wolski, on the first line in the Phoenix system, they have a 65-point player here and now.

The Avs get: two very promising players. Mueller is probably best served in the AHL this year to get his confidence back, but he would need to clear waivers to do so. As such, he was forced to stay in the NHL where Dave Tippett’s system wasn’t the greatest thing for his development. Joe Sacco has already proven – time and again – that he can bring the best out of young players even before they are ready.

Fantasy Players Impacted: The players involved. Wolski’s inconsistency will be stabilized under Tippet, but that will be tempered by a more defensive system. The result is a wash – 65 points. Mueller, on the other hand, gets a fresh start under a coach who will nurture the best out of him. I wouldn’t expect more than 10 points down the stretch, but next year think 60 is feasible – whereas I wouldn’t in my wildest dreams say that about him in Phoenix. As for Porter, he will have every opportunity to be an NHLer – something that he deserves. Again, in Phoenix, I don’t know if that would happen.

Players this deal helps, in order:

1. Peter Mueller

2. Kevin Porter

3. Matthew Lombardi

4. Shane Doan

Players this deal hurts, in order:

1. T.J. Galiardi

2. Brandon Yip (for next year)

3. Ryan Stoa (more competition)