PREDS AND SHARKS EXCHANGE PROSPECTS
The Nashville Predators acquired forward Ozzy Wiesblatt from the San Jose Sharks for winger Egor Afanasyev.
What does it give the Nashville Predators
Wiesblatt was a first-round pick in 2020 but has not lived up to his offensive potential since then. Interestingly, he was loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals (Nashville's AHL affiliate) last March, after struggling for the San Jose Barracuda, allowing the Predators to get a closer look at him. Clearly, he made an impression as he is now officially a member of the organization.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
Afanasyev led Milwaukee in goals and points this past season but never got much of a opportunity at the NHL level. With the Sharks, he has a chance to make the team right out of training camp. A big power forward who can score, he gives the Sharks' prospect pool some of the elements it lacks. He could fit really nicely next to the highly-skilled center prospects in the system.
Fantasy impact
With his move to the Sharks, Afanasyev now becomes a sleeper in deep fantasy leagues. He has scored at every level and he should get the chance to continue that at the NHL level next season. As for Wiesblatt, he is likely going to spend next season in the AHL. He needs to develop more, leaving him with nearly no value in fantasy hockey for the upcoming season.
