JANNIK HANSEN HEADS TO SAN JOSE
The San Jose Sharks acquired winger Jannik Hansen from the Vancouver Canucks for winger Nikolay Goldobin and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2017.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have made a concerted effort this season to add more speed to their lineup (partly because of the way Pittsburgh defeated them in the Stanley Cup finals last spring). In Hansen, San Jose gets another speed demon who can kill penalties, play anywhere in the lineup and provide clutch performances down the stretch. He is a good addition for a team with championship aspirations (albeit an expensive one).
What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
Hansen had one season left on his contract beyond 2016-17 at a cap hit of $2.5 million, which is why the Canucks received quite a bit in return. Goldobin is a solid winger prospect who should be able to play in Vancouver next season (if not earlier). Plus, the 'Nucks added a fourth-round pick in this year's draft (which might become a first rounder if San Jose wins the Stanley Cup). Therefore, Vancouver fans are now Sharks fans.
Fantasy impact
Goldobin's long-range fantasy upside has gone up after this trade, since he should get better opportunities to play regularly in Vancouver than he was going to get with San Jose. As for Hansen, his fantasy value will probably go down with the Sharks, as he may not receive as much ice time as a bottom-six forward in San Jose.
