Versteeg had 14 goals and 20 assists (34 points) in 61 games with the Blackhawks last season. He has amassed 275 career points (116G / 159A) in 473 career NHL games between the Blackhawks, Maple Leafs, Flyers and Panthers. This trade should help Versteeg's fantasy value as he will likely land a top six role in Carolina.
Clowe has suffered four concussions in the last two seasons and doctors have recommended that he does not play again. The last time Clowe has played was November 6th, 2014 and has likely been forced into retirement. He is expected to sit on longterm injured reserve throughout the remainder of his three-year, $14.55 million contract.
Schlemko, 28, did not record a point in 19 games with the Calgary Flames last season. In 231 career NHL games, Schlmeko has 50 points (9G / 41A) and 84 penalty minutes.
Ferland, 23, had just five points (2G / 3A) in 26 games with the Flames last regular season, but played very well in the postseason racking up three goals and two assists in just nine games. His one-way deal paves the way for Ferland to make the 2015-16 opening day roster.
In 2014-15, Franson split time between the Maple Leafs and Predators—he amassed a total of seven goals and 29 assists (36 points) in 78 games between the two squads. His addition makes an already improved Sabres team that much better. Expect him to play a key role on Buffalo’s power play.
Elliott, 24, was the 49th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. The right handed defensemen had no points in five games with Colorado last year, but registered 19 goals and 21 assists in 64 games with the Avs’ AHL affiliate in Lake Erie.
Gormley, 23, was the 13th overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft. Last season he had two goals and two assists (four points) in 27 games with the Coyotes. In his time in the AHL he amassed 10 points (3G / 7A) in 23 contests.
Pacioretty avoided serious injury and surgery when he suffered fractures to his left tibial plateau in a training session in July. Pacioretty won’t be ready to join his teammates for the start of training camp and doesn’t have a timetable for his return. His status for the Habs’ season opener on October 10th remains up in the air.
Ritchie underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his wrist. Ritchie was expected to battle for a spot on the Stars opening day roster, but his injury creates an opening for another young winger to crack the roster.
Savard, 24, is coming off of an 11-goal, 25-assist (36 points) season with the Blue Jackets. Savard also led Columbus in hits (195) and was third in blocked shots (105). Savard is expected to be a top-pair defensemen alongside Jack Johnson in 2015-16 and is capable of posting double-digit goals and 30 assists.
Vasilevskiy appeared poised to push Ben Bishop for starts right out of the gate, but he will now miss at least the first month of the season. For fantasy owners drafting Bishop, it would be wise to invest in the 21-year-old Vasilevskiy--especially now considering his draft-day value will be much lower.
Giordano was already inked through the 2016-17 season, so his new deal will keep him with the Flames until 2022-23. He has missed a total of 39 games over the last two years, but has developped into one of the games best defensemen. With the addition of Dougie Hamilton and this signing, the Flames are going to have a stout blueline for years to come.
Ehrhoff registered three goals and 11 assists (14 points) in 49 games with the Penguins last season. Ehrhoff missed a lot of time in 2014-15 because of concussion issues, but is reportedly healthy heading into this season. If he is healthy in 2015-16 he should be able to get back to 30 points—he will likely find himself on the Kings’ second PP unit.
Gonchar, who turned 41 in April, is coming off of a season where he had 14 points (1G / 13A) in 48 games with the Stars and the Canadiens. He probably doesn’t have much left in the tank, but he could still contribute on the power-play. Gonchar will head into training camp with the Penguins in an effort to make the opening day roster.
Hagelin, 26, was traded to the Ducks this summer because the Rangers were up against the salary cap. Hagelin was a restricted free agent who had arbitration rights but opted not to file in a move seen as a sign that the winger and the Ducks were set on getting their new association off on the right foot. He had 17 goals and 18 assists (35 points) in 82 games with the Rangers last season.
Salo, 40, played 878 career NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning. He finished his career with 99 goals and 240 assists (339 points) but has not played since the 2013-14 season because of a wrist injury.
