Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 4:05pm

FLYERS GET MINUTE MUNCHER MacDONALD

The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Andrew MacDonald from the New York Islanders for a third-round draft pick in 2014, a second-round draft pick in 2015 and winger Matt Mangene.

What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers add potential unrestricted free agent MacDonald to their blueline for two draft picks. MacDonald joins {P Kimmo Timonen}, {P Andrej Meszaros} and {P Hal Gill} as other pending UFA defensemen on Philadelphia. The Flyers already had eight NHL defensemen (though Gill rarely plays), but expect MacDonald to replace {P Erik Gustafsson} and {P Andrej Meszaros} in the lineup. The latter may now be dealt somewhere else.

What does it give the New York Islanders
This is a good deal for the Islanders, who land two quality draft picks after surrendering several earlier this season in the ill-fated {P Thomas Vanek} deal. The Isles were going to let MacDonald walk this summer anyway, so this move makes sense. With MacDonald gone, Isles GM {B Garth Snow} can now focus on moving Vanek.

Fantasy impact
MacDonald may not get as much time on the power play in Philadelphia, so his fantasy value takes a hit here. If he chooses to re-sign with them, however, his value could get a boost (because Timonen will likely retire, opening up some power-play time for MacDonald.