NORONEN NOW A CANUCK
The Vancouver Canucks acquired goaltender Mika Noronen from the Buffalo Sabres for a second-round draft pick in 2006.
What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks needed more insurance between the pipes for this year, but Noronen may also be a big piece to the puzzle down the road. He hasn't seen a lot of ice time in 2005-06, so it may be too late for Noronen to challenge Alex Auld for the starter role. However, Noronen is an upgrade over Maxime Ouellet in the backup role. This move could also spell the end of the Dan Cloutier era in Vancouver, as the injured puck-stopper may become expendable beyond this season.
What does it give the Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres finally made a move to figure out their three-headed monster between the pipes, and adding a second-round pick is good value for their third stringer. However, they would have been better off making a trade earlier in the season involving veteran Martin Biron--and utilizing Noronen as the backup. Now, the Sabres have two No. 1 goalies, but the backup is expensive.
Fantasy impact
