KUBINA TO ATLANTA
The Atlanta Thrashers acquired defenseman Pavel Kubina and forward Tim Stapleton from the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Garnet Exelby and winger Colin Stuart.
What does it give the Atlanta Thrashers
Kubina brings more all-around ability to Atlanta's burgeoning defense corps. He'll take some of the heat off Tobias Enstrom, Zach Bogosian and Ron Hainsey. Look for Kubina to be used in all game situations. Stapleton is depth for the Thrashers, but he's unlikely to play regularly in Atlanta this upcoming season.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
In Exelby and Stuart, the Maple Leafs land two more meat-and-potatoes players that fit the mold of what GM Brian Burke wants. Exelby will play on the third pairing and provide a lot of toughness, while Stuart could replace UFA Brad May as the fourth-line left-winger. He is industrious and always gives maximum effort.
Fantasy impact
