Wed, Feb 28, 2024 at 8:18pm

TANEV TO TEXAS IN THREE-TEAM TRADE

In a three-team trade, the Dallas Stars acquired defenseman Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames, and goaltender Cole Brady from the New Jersey Devils; Calgary acquired defenseman Artem Grushnikov, a second-round draft pick in 2024 and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2026 from the Stars; and New Jersey acquired a fourth-round draft pick in 2026 from the Stars.

What does it give the Dallas Stars
For the Stars, this is a solid move for their quest to reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2024. Tanev is arguably the best defensive defenseman currently available on the trade market, so he should help Dallas greatly. Brady is not much of a goaltending prospect, and is scheduled to become a free agent on August 15. The Stars are unlikely to sign him before that time.

What does it give the Calgary Flames
This is also a pretty good deal for Calgary, although the timing of the trade is not good. The Flames currently sit five points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, so losing Tanev makes their task that much more difficult. However, Grushnikov is a solid defensive prospect who could crack Calgary's lineup next season. He might even see action down the stretch.

What does it give the
The Stars and Flames needed a third team involved to complete this trade because they needed a third party to absorb part of Tanev's salary for the rest of 2023-24 (he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer). Enter New Jersey, who shipped out Brady and absorbed 50 percent of Tanev's contract in exchange for a fourth-rounder following the '26 campaign.

Fantasy impact
There is not much impact here, as both Tanev and Grushnikov are mostly defensive, stay-at-home and complementary blueliners. They are vital to team success at the National Hockey League level, but they are not going to help much in fantasy circles. Pass on both.