Gaborik

Fantasy Impact: The New York Rangers have traded Marian Gaborik to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Derick Brassard, John Moore and Derek Dorsett.

The Rangers get: A thus-far disappointing potential first-line center in Brassard, a thus-far disappointing potential puck-moving top four rearguard in Moore, and a hustling depth player in Dorsett. Brassard at this point is looking like a future second liner, when healthy (which is another column in itself). In New York he will be a third-line center, at least to end this season. Moore brings size and talent (a former 21st overall pick, still only 22 years old) to the blue line.

Dorsett is still out with a broken collar bone.

The Blue Jackets get: potentially one of the most electrifying players in the world, but he’s played like the 300th most electrifying player in the world. Gaborik needs a new coach, new linemates, new scenery and a ton of ice time. Mission accomplished.

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Fantasy Players Impacted: Where to begin? A top center leaves Columbus and a top winger is added. Cam Atkinson becomes the second-line winger, but what does that mean, really? Instead of playing with Depth Player A he plays with Depth Player B? Artem Anisimov was his centerman and I’m sure that’s how it remains, even though Anisimov was Gaborik’s teammate last year. Gaborik should be playing with Mark Letestu, so obviously a bonus for his already inflated numbers.

Brassard being gone moves Ryan Johansen up a notch on the depth chart. If Gaborik plays with him, obviously his value could skyrocket. Moore being gone opens up a spot for David Savard to possibly be recalled, though there are some concerns with his skating. Tim Erixon will also get more ice time.

For New York, clearing out a top winger frees ice time (again) for the likes of Carl Hagelin, Ryane Clowe, Mats Zuccarello, JT Miller and Chris Kreider.

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Gaborik

2. Zuccarello

3. David Savard/Tim Erixon

4. Letestu

5. Johansen

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Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

1. Brassard

2. Hamrlik

3. Brian Boyle