GOALIE SWAP: TOKARSKI FOR DESJARDINS
The Montreal Canadiens acquired goaltender Dustin Tokarski from the Tampa Bay Lightning for goaltender Cedrick Desjardins.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
Tokarski is a former Memorial Cup champion with the WHL's Spokane Chiefs, and he's still only 23 years old. That said, he appeared to be stuck in the Tampa Bay organization, especially following the acquisition of {P Anders Lindback}. So, this should be a fresh start for Tokarski. With backup {P Peter Budaj} scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, Tokarski has a good shot at becoming {P Carey Price}'s understudy in Montreal.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning know Desjardins well, since he spent the 2010-11 campaign in the Tampa Bay organization. That season, he even appeared in two games with the Lightning. Since then, he's been felled by injury. This year, he's played well in Hamilton (AHL) while sharing time with {P Robert Mayer}. The 27-year-old Desjardins is now poised to back up Lindback next season, as veteran {P Mathieu Garon}'s contract expires at the end of this season.
Fantasy impact
Both Tokarski and Desjardins are potential backups, but for now remain third stringers. Therefore, their overall fantasy value remains largely unchanged. Since Tokarski is a little younger, he may have a bit more long-range upside than Desjardins. However, Tokarski's main value will be for all Price owners as a handcuff.
