Halak - ICON SMI

Fantasy Impact: Jaroslav Halak has been traded to the Washington Capitals by the Buffalo Sabres for goaltender Michal Neuvirth and defenseman Rostislav Klesla

The Capitals get: an above-average, but injury-prone goaltender capable of stealing playoff rounds (as the Capitals know first hand).

The Sabres get: a young goaltender with good upside, but he also suffers from injuries at the worst possible times. If healthy, he could be the goalie of the future. Or, he could suffer a couple of injuries that throw him off his hot streak…and then he winds up as a career backup.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Halak went from fantasy-useless to fantasy-great. If he can stay healthy, he could potentially win 13 games going forward, whereas in Buffalo that number would have been closer to seven.

Washington’s No.1 goalie Brayden Holtby has struggled, but had been coming along of late. Regardless, the Caps weren’t taking any chances and so – for this year – Holtby will be a backup now. If Halak plays lights out, it’s possible that the team re-signs him. In which case, Holtby’s fantasy potential would be forever crippled.

Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Jhonas Enroth (and Matt Hackett) owners were hoping Halak remained. That way he could leave via free agency and maybe Enroth gets a chance. Not anymore. Although Enroth is healthier, Neuvirth is the better goaltender

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Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Neuvirth

2. Halak

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

1. Brayden Holtby

2. Enroth

3. Hackett