Carolina has traded Patrick Eaves and a fourth round pick in 2010 to Boston for defenseman Aaron Ward.

The Hurricanes get: A reliable, but somewhat fragile defenseman.

The Bruins get: A third-line winger with second-line upside, but all he has done is tease. They also shed $1.1 million in salary while gaining an extra draft pick. The money was the key to this deal as the Bruins promptly placed Eaves on waivers. If they can lose his $1.4 million in salary, then that frees up $2.5 million in all.

Fantasy Impact: Lots under the radar here. First, let’s look at Boston.

As I have mentioned before, the B’s will find a way to get themselves some breathing room cap-wise. Rask was going to be the backup regardless of his bonus-laden contract that brings a huge cap hit. Boston also freed up some more room to sign Phil Kessel, but I think that’s just for the sake of appearances so that other GM’s don’t drive the price down. With the appearance that they don’t have to trade Kessel, it will bring a better return. If not Kessel, then Marco Sturm – but a move will happen. As things stand now, Patrick Eaves can be squeezed in on the fourth line, which doesn’t work. I think he shouldn’t start looking for a house in Boston just yet. He’ll find a home elsewhere. The big thing here is the fact that they lose Ward. In my fantasy guide, the Bruins had six NHL defensemen and now I have to include Johnny Boychuk as a surefire NHLer because there is little option. If necessary, they have Drew Fata as a No.7…but look for a move bringing in defenseman.

In Carolina, a spot just opened up for Drayson Bowman on the wing. Not a guaranteed spot, but there are 12 spots spoken for and he and Zach Boychuk can now battle it out for the 13th. Is this a statement of confidence in one of their kids? Up front maybe, but not on the point – suddenly, a door shuts and there is only one more spot open for Jamie McBain. You may see him in the AHL this year.