Fantasy Impact: The New York Islanders have acquired the rights to veteran offensive defenseman Dan Boyle from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick (if they can sign him) or a fifth-round draft pick (if they can’t).

The Islanders get: a fading puck-moving blue-liner who, while his numbers are in a decline, would see a bit of a resurgence on a team that I expect to actually surprise with the offense in 2014-15. 

This is a clear upgrade to Lubomir Visnovsky as Boyle is not only (a lot) more durable, but he’s at a stage in his career where his talent hasn’t eroded nearly as much as Visnovsky’s had in 2013-14. Boyle could put up a couple of 45-point seasons if he signs with the Isles. On another team…who knows? And while 45 points is not the 50 or 55 that he was getting a few years ago, it’s still a very good fantasy hockey number.

One can only assume that Visnovsky gets bought out. He is ineligible for a compliance buyout, but a regular buyout (per cap geek) would result in a cap hit of $750,000 this year and $2,000,000 next season.

Boyle would be a great mentor for the crop of fantastic youngsters on the Islanders and in the pipeline – Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan, Matt Donovan, Griffin Reinhart and Ryan Pulock all stand to benefit long-term. Although short-term, only one of them will benefit and the rest will take a bit of a hit. The one who benefits? Whoever partners with Boyle at even strength and on the power play.

Discuss the trade here

Here is the current defensemen depth chart:

Travis Hamonic
Dan Boyle
Calvin De Haan
Lubomir Visnovsky
Brian Strait
Thomas Hickey
Matt Donovan
Griffin Reinhart
Matt Carkner
Ryan Pulock

One of Pulock/Reinhart will not make this team. And possibly neither make it unless the aforementioned buyout (or some other move) is implemented.

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

1. Visnovsky (writing on the wall?)

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Boyle (if he signs)