Versteeg Joins Leafs… Instant Fantasy Value?

Just before the kickoff to the NHL Free Agency period, the Chicago Blackhawks completed another salary dump by trading Kris Versteeg and Bill Sweatt to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Viktor Stalberg, Chris DiDomenico, and Philippe Paradis.

If Leaf fans can remember correctly, Stalberg was touted the steal of the NCAA Free Agent talent a year ago (and performed up to those expectations in the preseason) and Paradis was that “first rounder that got away” in the Jiri Tlusty deal last season.

However, summing it all up, the Hawks received some vital pieces for their AHL club and the Leafs receive a forward overpaid in Chicago for the role he played but good value in Toronto as a top-six forward. Look for Versteeg, 24, to drastically build on the 44 points in 79 games in 2009-10 with more ice time and possibly touch his point-per-game pace that he set in his later junior/AHL years. Barring any free agent acquisitions, we can reasonably assume that Versteeg will find his place alongside Kessel on the Leaf’s top line – creating a steal opportunity for you later on in your draft.

To those in dynasty or deep fantasy leagues, Stalberg’s long-term value drops considerably.