LOVEJOY LEAVES NEW JERSEY FOR DALLAS
The Dallas Stars acquired defenseman Ben Lovejoy from the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Connor Carrick and a third-round draft pick in 2019.
What does it give the Dallas Stars
The Stars have been searching for better defensive depth all season long, since both Stephen Johns and Marc Methot are injured and unlikely to play in 2018-19. Enter Lovejoy, a 35-year-old rearguard with Stanley Cup pedigree ('15-16, Pittsburgh) who should help Dallas down the stretch. He is scheduled for unrestricted free agency on July 1, so this move appears to be a rental by the Stars.
What does it give the New Jersey Devils
For the Devils, landing a third rounder for a pending UFA defenseman who just turned 35 years of age is a win. Carrick was likely added in the trade for salary-cap/roster purposes but he may also have a future in New Jersey. He turns 25 later this year and has until the end of '18-19 to showcase himself to the Devils brass. He becomes a restricted free agent on July 1, so Carrick's audition basically starts now.
Fantasy impact
There is no fantasy impact here, as Lovejoy is basically a defensive defenseman for depth purposes. Meanwhile, Carrick needs to find his game now that he is with his fourth NHL organization. Pass on him.
