HURRICANES LAND PP SPECIALIST BERGERON
The Carolina Hurricanes acquired defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron from the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Adam Hall and a seventh-round draft pick in 2013.
What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have a plethora of offensive-minded defensemen, but their power play has still struggled mightily this season. Therefore, they're desperate for help. Bergeron represents both: desperation and help. He can shoot the puck from the point with aplomb, so that will probably be his main job down the stretch. This is likely a very short-term move, but at least Carolina didn't give up much.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Lightning
Already placed on waivers, Hall is expected to finish the 2013 campaign with the AHL's Syracuse Crunch--a squad that has been decimated lately with plenty of promotions to Tampa Bay (including head coach Jon Cooper). Bergeron wasn't going to see much time down the stretch, as Cooper and GM Steve Yzerman evaluate some of the team's young blueliners. Therefore, they got whatever they could here.
Fantasy impact
Bergeron could make a big impact in Carolina, albeit of the short-term variety. He will be given big responsibilities to help get the Hurricanes power play going, and could enjoy a real boost in fantasy value. At the very least, he'll be playing a lot more in Carolina than what he was used to in Tampa Bay.
