WEIGHT FOR McDONALD
The Anaheim Ducks acquired centers Doug Weight and Michal Birner, as well as a seventh-round draft pick in 2008 from the St. Louis Blues for center Andy McDonald.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks needed to clear salary cap space for 2008-09, so exchanging the $3.3 million contract of McDonald for pending unrestricted free agent Weight makes sense for Anaheim. McDonald simply wasn't producing without Teemu Selanne by his side, so perhaps Weight will have more luck producing on Anaheim's second line. Birner is a quality center prospect who may eventually take Weight's place in Anaheim. The late-round pick is a bonus. Since Ducks GM Brian Burke had to make a trade, this deal should work out well for him.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
In McDonald, the Blues add a speedy pivot with more gas left in the tank than Weight. However, McDonald will need to play with skilled wingers in order to be productive. Birner was a good prospect, but the Blues have better centers in their system--namely Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie. Therefore, St. Louis did well to deal a little bit of their present and a little bit of their future for an upgrade on the first or second line.
Fantasy impact
