'HAWKS GET VERMETTE FROM THE COYOTES
The Chicago Blackhawks acquired center Antoine Vermette from the Arizona Coyotes for defenseman Klas Dahlbeck and a first-round draft pick in 2015.
What does it give the Chicago Blackhawks
Vermette is a natural fit for a Blackhawks squad looking to bolster its top-six forward depth following the injury to {P Patrick Kane}. While he obviously doesn't bring the same offensive punch Kane does, Vermette is an above-average two-way veteran who can step in right away and fill a variety of roles. His contract comes off the books following this season, so this may be a rental for a strong team with title hopes. That said, a first-round pick this year is a fairly steep price to pay (even if it does land in the lower end of the round).
What does it give the Arizona Coyotes
Dahlbeck is an all-round, solid rearguard prospect who should be an NHL regular soon, but the real gem of this deal is the first-round pick. The 'Yotes must have entertained some strong competing offers because Vermette isn't exactly a star (although he is an above-average forward). Add in that Vermette can be a free agent this off-season, and this is somewhat a heist for a team that's re-tooling.
Fantasy impact
As mentioned above, Vermette isn't a star but he is an above-average forward with some fringy fantasy value (especially in deeper leagues). His biggest fantasy drawback this season is his dismal plus-minus rating (-23), but that should reverse itself quickly now that he's with the Blackhawks. The move probably hurts the fantasy value of gifted young center prospect {P Teuvo Teravainen} (at least for the rest of this season). As for Dahlbeck, he has a chance to become fantasy-relevant in a year or two down the road, but he's not a keeper type yet.
