Smyth

Fantasy Impact: The Edmonton Oilers acquired Ryan Smyth from the Los Angeles Kings for Gilbert Brule and a fifth-round pick. *Update – Gilbert Brule’s health has concerned the Kings enough that the Oilers were forced to replace him in the deal. He and the fifth-round pick has now been replaced by Colin Fraser and a seventh-round pick.

The Kings get: A lesser replacement for Wayne Simmonds. Any offensive upside that Brule had is long gone now, but he could still flirt with 45 points in the right situation under the right coach. The replacement for Brule certainly speaks to his value, and the fact that he failed the reach LA’s standards for health should also concern Brule owners.

The Oilers get: Their adopted son back. Smyth is a warrior, although age and injuries have eroded both his durability and his skills.

Fantasy Players Impacted: A trade like this is filled with intangibles. Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle, not to mention a host of other skilled wingers, will learn a lot from the former Oiler Smyth. It can only help their development.

In LA, Brule should do well – 35 points. The low expectations and steady third-line job should do the trick. But he must stay healthy. More PP time is freed up with the loss of Smyth, and Brule Fraser won’t get it. Lewis will. Another reason why I like Trevor Lewis (although temper expectations to 35 to 45 points this year).

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. The young Oiler forwards

2. Lewis

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Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

None.