RED WINGS ACQUIRE VETERAN WINGER COLE
The Detroit Red Wings acquired winger Erik Cole and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2015 from the Dallas Stars for defenseman Mattias Backman, forward Mattias Janmark and a second-round draft pick in 2015.
What does it give the Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings felt they needed to make a move for a veteran winger because {P Johan Franzen} (concussion) may be lost for the rest of 2014-15, and versatile {P Darren Helm} also went down to injury recently. Cole should help, though he's unlikely to stay in Detroit beyond 2014-15 and appears to be a pure rental. The Wings may also get a third rounder in this deal if they do well in the postseason, so there is a lot of incentive for Cole to pan out.
What does it give the Dallas Stars
This was a great coup for the Stars, and their current General Manager (former Red Wings assistant) Jim Nill. The latter knows prospects Backman and Janmark very well, so it's not a surprise he went after two of Detroit's youngsters still toiling in Europe. Nill also acquired a second-round draft pick in this year's draft, which is a great addition for a potential UFA like Cole. Also, there's a pretty solid chance the Stars won't have to surrender their third rounder in this deal.
Fantasy impact
Cole could make a quick impact in Detroit, especially since injuries could place him on the top line to start out. Both Backman and Janmark are solid keeper-league options, while the biggest winner in this deal may be Stars winger {P Curtis McKenzie}--who may finally have a roster spot in the NHL sewn up with Cole on the move.
