After spending six years away from New Jersey, veteran center Jason Arnott will return to the Devils. The Nashville Predators, now a team without their captain, will receive Matt Halischuk and a 2nd round pick in 2011.
Trading for Arnott signifies that the Devils want to win with the players they have. He likely slots into the second line alongside former A Line member Patrik Elias. Having a player with a experience, grit and success helps the younger core such as Travis Zajac as they now boast a strong support system.
Even as a second line center in New Jersey, he holds similar value to playing first line minutes in Nashville. If you own Arnott and enjoy his services feel free to keep him in the lineup. If healthy Arnott projects to break 20 goals and finish with at least 50 points.
Maybe the move back to the Devils even gets him engaged more physically as he will be counted on to maintain pressure and add secondary scoring but without PIM there are much better options. Leagues with a salary cap could find more value for his 4.5 million cap hit. His best fantasy feature is averaging over 200 SOG for the past three seasons.
The move vaults top prospect Colin Wilson into a top two center position. If you expected Wilson to make an impact next season, you surely will have better luck this year with the extended time.
