PREDS, HABS SWAP FREE AGENTS
The Montreal Canadiens acquired goaltender Dan Ellis, forward Dustin Boyd and future considerations from the Nashville Predators for winger Sergei Kostitsyn and future considerations.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens will attempt to sign Ellis in the little time they have to do so before the UFA market opens on July 1. Boyd could be given a qualifying offer, which would give Montreal his RFA rights. Otherwise, he too will hit the UFA market on July 1. This deal is a small gamble for Montreal, but it was designed mainly to get rid of Kostitsyn, who became a problem child in Montreal.
What does it give the Nashville Predators
For the Predators, this is a calculated gamble to add some offense to the club. Ellis was not going to re-sign with the Preds, and Boyd was also not going to be offered a contract. Instead, they'll try to sign restricted free agent Kostitsyn, who may be lured away to the KHL if Nashville can't come to terms with him. Both sides get future considerations here, mainly because both sides could wind up with nothing else.
Fantasy impact
