CALDER, WILLIAMS IN 3-WAY
In a three-way deal: The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Lasse Kukkonen and a third-round draft pick in 2007 from the Chicago Blackhawks for winger Kyle Calder; the Blackhawks then traded Calder to the Detroit Red Wings for forward Jason Willi
What does it give the Detroit Red Wings
Despite this season's offensive numbers, Calder is a better overall hockey player than
Jason Williams and a marginal upgrade to the Wings' offense. He will look to
bounce back from a miserable campaign that sees him with a league-worst
minus-31 after potting 26 goals and leading the Blackhawks in scoring just one year ago. The speedy, hard-working Calder should
slide in nicely on the second line with Robert Lang and Daniel Cleary.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
The 'Hawks essentially gave up Kukkonen, often a healthy scratch, and a
third-round pick for Jason Williams, who will contribute decent offense
on the second or third line. Williams will replace the offensive numbers that was
lost when the team dealt Bryan Smolinski to the Canucks. A Red Wing since 2002, Williams never truly found his niche in Detroit, as he was always battling for line permanance. A speedy skater with good instincts and definite shooting ability, he'll also help on the power play, where he can also fill in on the point. Moreover, he can play either wing or center.
What does it give the
Another high draft pick (they're stacked with them now) plus a young
defenseman who may be a little undersized and has yet to show a
consistent game at this level. Calder wasn't helping them anyway, so the
team did well to get in this trade.
Fantasy impact
