STARS, HABS SWAP RIGHT-WINGERS
The Dallas Stars acquired winger Erik Cole from the Montreal Canadiens for winger Michael Ryder and a third-round draft pick in 2013.
What does it give the Dallas Stars
In Cole, the Stars land a stronger power-winger type, as opposed to Ryder's sniper mentality. Cole is a player Dallas has coveted for a while, and now they have him for at least the next three seasons (including this one). He is coming off a career year in Montreal playing alongside {P David Desharnais} and {P Max Pacioretty}, so perhaps Stars coach Glen Gulutzan will use Cole next to second-line center {P Derek Roy} (who is similar to Desharnais in both stature and playmaking skills).
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
Cole seemed somewhat uninterested in being in Montreal this season, so GM Marc Bergevin did well to trade him to Dallas for a solid replacement in Ryder (plus a quality third-round pick). Ryder has history both playing for the Canadiens and more specifically for coach Michel Therrien, so he shouldn't take a lot of time to mesh with his new teammates. The key to this deal from a Montreal perspective, though, is the fact Cole's contract still has term; Ryder is to become a UFA.
Fantasy impact
Cole wasn't the same player this season alongside Desharnais and Pacioretty, and was even taken off the top line just prior to the trade. He will need to find chemistry with his new teammates (perhaps with former Carolina teammate {P Ray Whitney} upon the latter's return from injury), but should find new life in Big D. Ryder had been playing on the Stars' third line recently, so the move back to Montreal should benefit him as well. Look for both Cole and Ryder to see a spike in their fantasy production in the coming weeks.
