ZHITNIK TO FLYERS
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Alexei Zhitnik from the New York Islanders for defenseman Freddy Meyer and a conditional third-round draft pick.
What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers badly needed a more mobile presence for their blueline, so Zhitnik should help them this season and next. Meyer was in and out of the lineup this year, after an impressive rookie campaign. The Flyers add roughly $3 million to their salary cap with this deal, but should get a little more out of Russian veteran Zhitnik than the Islanders did.
What does it give the New York Islanders
This is a strange move by the Isles, even in a salary-cap world. It's strange because of where the team sent Zhitnik--within the Atlantic Division. However, the clear-cut motivation for making this move at this time was to free up salary-cap space. Therefore, expect this to be the first of a series of deals by Isles GM Garth Snow. Dealing Zhitnik may also enable Chris Campoli to get back up with the big club.
Fantasy impact
