Washington Acquires Troy Brouwer
Dobber Sports
2011-06-25
Fantasy Impact: The Chicago Blackhawks have traded Troy Brouwer to the Washington Capitals for the 26th overall draft pick yesterday (Phillip Danault).
The Capitals get: A big, young power winger with decent hands. He plays on the right side, which is a notoriously weak position in Washington.
The Blackhawks get: A draft pick they used on Danault, a defensive winger built for the third line. Matthew Bugg had this profile for him in the Fantasy Prospects Report (buy it here):
Phillip Danault, LW
2010-11 Team: Victoriaville (QMJHL)
Second among all 1993-born QMJHL players in scoring, winger Phillip Danault is a player who bucks the traditional Quebec league mold. An energetic forward who prides himself on doing the small things to support the puck, Danault was rewarded with the role of team captain in January after the trade of long-time C Philip-Michael Devos. Danault thrived with the added pressure, leading the Tigres to not just an upset but a sweep of No.6-ranked Acadie-Bathurst. In nine playoff games, Danault amassed an incredible 15 points. Although slight at 6'0 and 170 lbs, Danault has perhaps the biggest heart on the Victoriaville roster. With time and additional explosiveness, he has the tools to be a glue winger in the NHL that can play for short periods on any line.
Upside: Top-nine forward, 20-30-50
Round: 3rd. The swing potential is high here; a character kid with a great attitude can sway scouts in a big way come the Combine, so don't be surprised if Danault sneaks into the Top 35.
Fantasy Players Impacted: Obviously, Brouwer’s value shoots way upwards. Not just the ‘likely’ production, either. He ‘likely’ would have tallied in that 40 to 45 range in Chicago again and in Washington he’ll ‘likely’ get in that 50 to 55 range. But it’s the ‘potential’ that has poolies drooling. With no star right wingers on the team, he’ll get his shot playing with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. The aging Mike Knuble will be phased out this season, and the inconsistent Eric Fehr hasn’t been cutting it. It’s on a silver platter, folks. If a 35-point player like Knuble can turn into a 65-point player thanks to Joe Thornton (and Peter Forsberg…and Alex Ovechkin…), then certainly Brouwer could as well.
Eric Fehr appears to be given up on. Injuries slowed his development and now that he’s healthy, he’s behind the eight-ball. Knuble also takes a hit, but we’ve been expecting a decline for several years now. This also likely spells the end of Brooks Laich in Washington.
Fantasy Players this helps, in order:
1. Brouwer
2. Bryan Bickell
3. Michael Frolik
Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:
1. Eric Fehr
2. Mike Knuble