Fantasy Impact – Evander Kane dealt to Buffalo

Rick Roos

2015-02-11

evander

Full details of the fantasy shakeout from the BLOCKBUSTER Evander Kane deal

Fantasy Impact

The Buffalo Sabres have acquired Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian, and Jason Kasdorf from the Winnipeg Jets for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Joel Armia, Brendan Lemieux, and a first-round draft pick.

The Sabres get

Two former top four overall draft picks, plus a college netminder. In Kane, they receive among the NHL's (and fantasy's) most talked about forwards, with a unique and enticing skill set which had unfortunately been overshadowed by his off-ice distractions. But no one doubts Kane could be a difference maker, if – and these are big ifs – he stays healthy and keeps his head in the game.

Bogosian brings them a rearguard whose production and health have nosedived in recent years but who possesses NHL experience (393 games) well beyond that of most 24 year olds.

Kasdorf is as 23 year old, 6'4'' netminder currently playing for R.P.I. in the NCAA.

The Jets get:

With Myers, they receive a defenseman who arrived in the NHL with a splash nearly as big as Myers is tall, but who has struggled mightily of late under the weight of his huge contract and playing for the lowly Sabres.

Stafford is a proven commodity who can provide a decent scoring output without the baggage of Kane, but who's also a UFA this summer.

Armia is a former first rounder putting up very solid number in the AHL and who was ranked 103rd in January's top 215 prospects list, while Lemieux – son of former NHL divisive figure Claude – was ranked 109th and brings with him the size and sandpaper that the Jets are losing with Kane.

Fantasy Players Impacted

This year, the impact isn't enormous for the Sabres, since Kane is out for the rest of the season and Kasdorf is in no position to come to the NHL just yet. Bogosian will be thrust into a top four role upon arrival, meaning more PP time and responsibility…..if he can remain healthy.

Armia and Lemieux go to a better team, so on paper their path to the NHL could become less immediate. But Frolik is a UFA this summer and Perreault’s spot is not cemeted in stone, so there’s still a place for them soon if/when they can grab it – just arguably not as easily achievable as it would’ve been in Buffalo.

Things look better now for Mikael Grigorenko as well, since he could be the RW on a line with Kane (and McDavid?), which will be a coveted fantasy spot. And this frees Adam Lowry to go back to LW, and as a result could be somewhat better positioned for for 30+ points next season.

Meanwhile, some of the Sabres veterans like Brian Gionta and especially Matt Moulson might have a tougher time keeping their PP minutes plus their plum even strength gigs. And one of Marcus Foligno and Nicolas Deslauriers might be an odd man out, most likely Deslauriers.

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

Evander Kane

Zach Bogosian

Dustin Byfuglien (if indeed he’s back to defense only)

Tyler Myers

Mikael Grigorenko

Cody Hodgson

Adam Lowry

Jason Kasdorf

Nikita Zadorov

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

Drew Stafford

Dustin Byfuglien (if he’s still stuck at forward)

Matt Moulson

Nicolas Deslauriers

Brian Gionta

Brendan Lemieux

Joel Armia

UPCOMING GAMES

Mar 17 - 19:03	CBJ	vs	N.J
Mar 17 - 19:03	T.B	vs	PHI
Mar 17 - 19:03	BOS	vs	BUF
Mar 17 - 19:03	TOR	vs	CGY
Mar 17 - 20:03	MIN	vs	L.A