ZUBRUS TO SABRES
The Buffalo Sabres acquired forward Dainius Zubrus and defenseman Timo Helbling from the Washington Capitals for forward Jiri Novotny and a first-round draft pick in 2007.
What does it give the Buffalo Sabres
Zubrus becomes the third potential unrestricted free agent center on the Sabres roster, after co-captains Daniel Briere and the injured Chris Drury. Injuries necessitated a major move for the Sabres, and Zubrus should help immediately. Zubrus has experience at right wing as well, so if the injured bodies return he could wind up there. Furthermore, he may be easier to re-sign than either Briere or Drury, so GM Darcy Regier has placed himself in a better position for next season.
What does it give the Washington Capitals
Novotny had no place to play in Buffalo, but he should get plenty of opportunities in Washington. He's a second-line center in the making on a team that desperately needs one. He should fit right in with the Capitals, and look for Novotny to become Alexander Semin's setup man going forward. The first rounder is a major bonus in exchange for a player (Zubrus) that the Caps failed to re-sign before the deal.
Fantasy impact
