The Chicago Blackhawks have acquired forward Drake Caggiula and defenseman Jason Garrison from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for defensemen Brandon Manning and Robin Norell. In a separate deal, the Oilers have also acquired defenseman Alex Petrovic from the Florida Panthers for defenseman Chris Wideman and a third-round pick.

The most significant piece of these trades fantasy-wise is Caggiula. An undrafted free agent who was signed from the NCAA, Caggiula was given opportunities all over the Oilers’ lineup, including some time on the top line with Connor McDavid. He simply hadn’t produced enough to stick there, as he has never posted anything higher than 0.4 PTS/GP in any one season. He projects to be a bottom-6 forward with the Blackhawks, but there’s always the possibility he could play on a line with Patrick Kane.  

The Caggiula trade, combined with Alex Chiasson recently being moved to IR with a knee injury, clears the way for Ty Rattie to spend more time on the McDavid line. Rattie played alongside McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Saturday and recorded three assists, so this trade boosts his value at least in the short term. The Caggiula departure also improves the odds that both Jesse Puljujarvi and recently recalled Kailer Yamamoto not only stick with the big club, but also see a few reps with McDavid.

As for the defense, Peter Chiarelli is simply taking in as many warm bodies onto the defense while Oscar Klefbom and Kris Russell are on IR. Bringing in Manning (McDavid’s old nemesis) and Petrovic may help stop the bleeding of five consecutive losses (and 25 goals allowed over those losses), but these new d-men will fall down the depth chart once Russell and Klefbom return. Russell is reportedly close to returning, so these trades may not help the Oilers much long-term.

Fantasy players this helps, in order:

Rattie

Yamamoto

Puljujarvi

Mikko Koskinen and Cam Talbot (added defensive depth)

Fantasy players this hurts, in order:

Dylan Sikura (could be sent to AHL to make room for Caggiula)

Fantasy owners are discussing this trade in the Forum – give your take here!