SENS ADD ENFORCER DEPTH IN MATT KASSIAN
The Ottawa Senators acquired forward Matt Kassian from the Minnesota Wild for a sixth-round draft pick in 2014.
What does it give the Ottawa Senators
The Senators have one of the NHL's most reliable tough guys in {P Chris Neil}, but they can use some depth in the pugilism department so Kassian is a solid addition. Kassian isn't doing much this season in the AHL, but he has piled up prodigious penalty minute totals at lower levels and has already shown he can play at the NHL level (appearing in 24 games for the Wild last season).
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
Minnesota already has two veteran fighter types on their roster (in {P Zenon Konopka} and {P Mike Rupp}), and they have {P Drew Bagnall} carrying the enforcer duties in the AHL, so Kassian became expendable. Moving his $575,000 salary (which comes in at the same number next season) makes sense both financially and in the depth department.
Fantasy impact
When Kassian gets the call up to the Senators he can help fantasy squads with penalty minutes, but otherwise should be avoided in most leagues. Even if Kassian does join Ottawa, Neil should continue producing at the same strong rate.
