Zidlicky to the Devils
Jeff Angus
2012-02-25
Fantasy Impact: The New Jersey Devils traded defenseman Kurtis Foster, prospect Nick Palmieri, and two draft picks to Minnesota in exchange for defenseman Marek Zidlicky.
The Devils Get: Finally… a puck moving defenseman! Zidlicky has been buried in Mike Yeo's doghouse for most of the season due to a lack of intensity and effort on the ice. When he is playing well, he's a mobile defenseman who can move the puck. He's not great defensively, but he's not a liability, either.
Since Zidlicky injured his shoulder last season, his shot has not been the same. A bit worrisome.
The Wild Get: In Foster, a defenseman who has proven he can produce in the past. He's bounced around a lot in the last few years. He'll get a chance to play some power play with the Wild. Palmieri is a prospect with limited upside, and his development has stalled a bit in the AHL. Teams usually give new acquisitions some playing time to see what they can do – expect Palmieri to get at least a short stint in Minnesota at some point during the stretch run.
Fantasy Players Impacted: This is obviously a huge move for the Devils and Zidlicky. For all of his struggles this season, he's a huge upgrade on the likes of Matt Taormina, Andy Greene, and so on. Look for him to get a lot of power play time, even if he isn't all that productive. As I mentioned above, Palmieri's fantasy upside is limited. Foster may be worth a look if you need some defensive points in the short term.
Fantasy Players this helps, in order:
1. Zidlicky
2. Jared Spurgeon
3. Any other offensive defenseman on the Wild (do they have one?)
Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:
1. Taormina
2. Mark Fayne
3. Peter Harrold