Rolston

Fantasy Impact: The Devils have cleared some cap space, trading Brian Rolston away for winger Trent Hunter. Rolston’s cap hit this season is $5 million (free agent next summer), while Hunter is scheduled to make $2 million each season for two more.

The Islanders get: An aging winger with a booming slap shot. Rolston will be a good veteran presence for the likes of Grabner, Okposo, Tavares, Bailey, and so on. He’ll probably play on the third line at even strength, but should see ample power play time. Does he play opposite Mark Streit on the first unit? It would be an interesting combination to try out.

The Devils get: Most importantly, $3 million in cap space. Hunter is a decent fourth line player who is tremendously overpaid at $2 million per season. This gives New Jersey room to give Parise the money he is looking for. Hunter had no future with the Islanders, and he’ll likely slot in on the fourth line in New Jersey. Hunter played only 17 games last season due to injury, and they have essentially killed whatever fantasy value he may have possessed at one time.

Some names to watch for – Adam Henrique (Taylor Hall’s OHL linemate), Nick Palmieri, and David Clarkson (maybe he slides back into the top nine).

Fantasy Players Impacted: Rolston’s increases a bit as I think he’ll see an increase in ice time and offensive responsibility. I don’t think this will significantly affect any of New York’s other forwards negatively. It may steal some PP time away from MacDonald or Hamonic on the back end, though. In New Jersey, this opens up cap space for Parise and a roster spot in the top line for a player.

Fantasy players this helps, in order:

1. Rolston

2. Henrique

📢 advertisement:

3. Clarkson

Fantasy players this hurts, in order:

1. Blake Comeau (PP time)

2. PA Parenteau (PP time)

3. Nino Niederreiter (potential top nine spot)