LEAFS, CAPS SWAP AHL UNDERACHIEVERS
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Kevin Marshall from the Washington Capitals for forward Nicolas Deschamps.
What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
Marshall is a tough customer who does a great job intimidating in his own end of the ice, but he hasn't developed the offensive game the Capitals were hoping for. The Maple Leafs are brimming with organizational blueline talent (as it was a focus of erstwhile GM Brian Burke's tenure) so Marshall wasn't a necessity, but he is bolstering an area of strength for Toronto. He should eventually be an NHL regular as a shut-down guy, and he brings the toughness the Leafs so covet these days.
What does it give the Washington Capitals
This is a bit of a head-scratcher for the Caps, since they are currently dealing with a major injury problem among their NHL defense corps regulars. Still, they did replace Marshall in the team's pecking order earlier in the day (picking up {P Chay Genoway} from the Wild) and Marshall isn't really the type of two-way puck mover Washington seems to love. Deschamps has above-average pro talent but has been inconsistent, especially this season for the AHL Marlies. He may surprise and push for a top-12 role eventually, but needs to get things back on track.
Fantasy impact
Deschamps is more worthwhile to watch fantasy-wise, as he has scored solidly at lower levels and may just be a late bloomer. That said, he isn't really radar-worthy until the Capitals give him a chance with the big club. Down the road Marshall should be a solid NHL stay-at-home guy who will contribute prodigious penalty minutes, but the Leafs are too stacked on the blueline to see him getting a big opportunity soon.
