The fantasy impact of the Coyotes trading for Anthony DeAngelo …
The Arizona Coyotes acquired Anthony DeAngelo from the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the 37th overall selection (Libor Hajek) in the 2016 Entry Draft Saturday, June 25.
Deal Breakdown
The emergence of Slater Koekkoek, and the logjam ahead of DeAngelo in Tampa Bay, allowed the Lightning to move the polarizing defenseman for another asset.
Arizona continued their trend this weekend of identifying players and aggressively targeting them. Remember, DeAngelo was a draft-day faller in his own 2014 class, and now was acquired for a second-round pick after posting 43 points through 69 games in the American Hockey League this season.
Fantasy Skinny
DeAngelo joins an improved defense corps, which has undergone a complete overhaul of late. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Alex Goligoski, Zbynek Michalek, Michael Stone and Connor Murphy should all allow DeAngelo and 2016-draftee Jakob Chychrun time to develop their game without the burden of high-leverage minutes against tough competition.
DeAngelo should see some time with Arizona in 2016-17, but his fantasy value is likely limited. His acquistion further downgrades the fantasy upside of Stone, and in the long run, could hurt Murphy's chances of sticking with the club.
DeAngelo's fantasy stock doesn't shift significantly. However, it isn't out of the question to suggest, when he's ready to be a full-time player in the NHL, Arizona will look a lot like Tampa Bay does currently up and down the lineup. This should prove to be a better situation for the talented offensive rearguard.
The Prospect
D Libor Hajek: It will take a lot of work for Hajek to be an offensive contributor at the highest level. However, he should develop into a solid defensive presence for the Tampa Bay down the line. He's off the fantasy radar for now.