HABS ADD SOPEL, DAWES
The Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Brent Sopel and winger Nigel Dawes from the Atlanta Thrashers for center Ben Maxwell and a fourth-round draft pick in 2011.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have been severely hurt along the blueline all season, so Sopel adds much needed help for the stretch drive. He excels in blocking shots, so he fits in perfectly with the Habs' defensive approach. Dawes is looking to salvage his career in his fifth NHL stop. He's only 26 years old, but time is running out. This could be his last shot. Losing Maxwell is lessened by the emergence this season of rookie center David Desharnais.
What does it give the Atlanta Thrashers
The Thrashers needed to move a defenseman after acquiring Mark Stuart from Boston recently. They decided to part ways with veteran Sopel, a potential unrestricted free agent on July 1. Adding Maxwell could become an under-the-radar move for Atlanta, though he's not likely to make much of an impact this season. Dawes began 2010-11 in Atlanta but quickly fell out of favor. This move was mainly designed to dump a couple of contracts.
Fantasy impact
