Breaking down the fantasy impact of New York acquiring Nick Holden …

Deal Breakdown

In another interesting/questionable deal, Colorado dealt a cost-effective defenseman from their shallow blue line corps. Meanwhile, the Rangers added a viable two-way defenseman at an affordable salary to fill the losses of  Keith Yandle and Dan Boyle.

Holden is a two-time 20-point producer who ranks 108th in points per 60 minutes (0.65) and 34th in goals per 60 minutes (0.24) at five-on-five among blue liners with at least 2000 minutes since the 2013 season.

He has proven to be a capable power-play asset, but his possession statistics have never been impressive, albeit on a weak possession team.

Fantasy Skinny

Holden is best left to cavernous leagues, and he has limited keeper/dynasty appeal. However, he has proven to be an effective low-priced flier in daily contests when receiving power-play opportunities.

After throwing 217 body checks last season, he is definitely a viable option in leagues including hits. His 118 blocked shots from 2015-16 also qualify as a helpful counting stat.

With the Rangers, Holden will battle Ryan McDonagh and Brady Skjei for PP minutes, and could land fleeting opportunities with the No. 1 unit, which makes Holden a player to watch in most seasonal setups.

Dylan McIlrath would appear to be the biggest loser following this transaction. McDonagh, Marc Staal, Dan Girardi, Kevin Klein and now Holden are all ahead of McIlrath, and Skeji looked the part of a blossoming player during the playoffs.

Klein could also lose some offensive minutes to Holden, but that's more of a wait-and-see situation.

There are just fantasy ripples here and not waves.

In Colorado, this deal is likely a clear sign Tyson Barrie will return to the Avalanche, and youngsters Nikita Zadorov and Chris Birgas will compete with Eric Gelinas for bottom-pairing minutes. Duncan Siemens and Brandon Gormley, both former first-round picks, are also restricted free agents within the organization.

With Barrie back, though, there isn't a lot of fantasy value after him, Erik Johnson and Francios Beauchemin.

Again, there is minimal fantasy aftermath from the Denver side.