COLUMBUS CORRALS CREASE SCORER VANEK
The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired winger Thomas Vanek from the Vancouver Canucks for forwards Tyler Motte and Jussi Jokinen.
What does it give the Columbus Blue Jackets
Few teams in the playoff hunt need goal-scoring help more than Columbus, so adding Vanek here makes a lot of sense. The veteran sniper has issues in other facets of his game but he has always been able to put the puck in the net. The Blue Jackets are banking on him lighting the lamp a few times down the stretch.
What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks did reasonably well here to add a young asset in Motte, who is a versatile forward with a chance to stick with the NHL squad next season. He may even receive an audition down the stretch this season. As for veteran Jokinen, he was likely moved out for cap and contract purposes, and will play out the string.
Fantasy impact
Vanek's value might remain the same now that he is on a better team, but he needs to help improve the Jackets' power play immediately. He was scoring recently because of his presence on a line with the Sedin twins, so buyer beware (as is always the case) with Vanek in Columbus for the rest of 2017-18. As for Motte, he has a little fantasy dark horse appeal for 2018-19. Jokinen has no fantasy appeal whatsoever.
