Ponikarovsky to Pens for Caputi

Fantasy Analysis: The Leafs have traded winger Alexei Ponikarovsky to Pittsburgh for winger Luca Caputi and defenseman Martin Skoula.

Toronto gets: a skilled prospect winger on the cusp of becoming an NHLer. Skoula is a depth defenseman who was added so that the Pens could clear the cap space for this move.

The Penguins get: a second-line winger who represents an upgrade for one of the spots in the top six.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Obviously Caputi and Ponikarovsky are impacted – in opposite directions. While Caputi now has some immediate value, as I think he will make the Leafs and play out the season for them, his upside just went down by about 10 or 15 points. Instead of possibly being an 85+ player he is limited to 70 to 75 at best. Ponikarovsky, meanwhile, could get as many as 20 points down the stretch. The move won’t hurt Pens wingers Chris Kunitz or Bill Guerin, as they will remain in the top six for the most part. Pascal Dupuis will never be seen in the top six again though.

In Toronto, some ice time is now freed up for the likes of Viktor Stalberg, who seems poised to benefit from any move the Leafs make this deadline.

Players who this deal helps, in order:

1. Alexei Ponikarovsky

2. Evgeni Malkin

3. Viktor Stalberg

4. Luca Caputi (short term)

5. Casey Pierro-Zabotel (no more ECHL?)

Players who this deal hurts, in order:

1. Luca Caputi (long term)

2. Pascal Dupuis

3. Max Talbot