Atlanta acquires Ben Maxwell

Fantasy Impact: The Atlanta Thrashers have traded defenseman Brent Sopel and forward Nigel Dawes to Montreal in exchange for prospect Ben Maxwell and a draft pick.

The Thrashers get: A decent offensive prospect in Maxwell. He has 40 points in 47 AHL games this season. He has the upside to be a decent second line winger, and his chances of earning a roster spot for 2011-12 improved with this trade.

The Canadiens get: A solid defenseman who will bring some stability to a back end dealing with some significant injuries. Dawes is an AHL forward.

Fantasy Players Impacted:

Maxwell's keeper league value rises, while the Sopel acquisition increases Carey Price's value (improved defense, especially on the penalty kill).

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Maxwell

2. Price

3. PK Subban

4. Johnny Oduya (more ice time)

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

None