AVS ADD BIG BERRA FROM FLAMES
The Colorado Avalanche acquired goalie Reto Berra from the Calgary Flames for a second-round draft picks in 2014.
What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
Berra has definitely enjoyed some impressive moments despite playing for the rebuilding Flames this season, but this deal is a bit hard to figure. The Avs have star {P Semyon Varlamov} locked into their crease long-term at big bucks, and {P=570 Jean-Sebastien Giguere} is a quality veteran backup with an affordable and expiring deal. Both Berra and Giguere can be unrestricted free agents after this season, so perhaps the club is auditioning the two for the backup job moving forward. This is a low-risk move, if a head-scratcher.
What does it give the Calgary Flames
This is a curious manoeuver by acting GM and team boss Brian Burke, since Berra is a still-young netminder with some untapped upside. He was also Calgary's No. 1 (at least with {P Karri Ramo} sidelined), so this wasn't an obvious deal for the Flames. Then again, the team does retain the still-promising Ramo, and up-and-comer {P Joni Ortio} (who should get some starts while Ramo continues to rehab his knee). At the very least Calgary clarifies its pecking order in net while adding some useful draft pick assets.
Fantasy impact
Ortio gets the biggest boost here fantasy-wise, as he may get a chance to step in as Calgary's short-term starter down the stretch. That said, Ortio isn't quite a fantasy must pickup-wise, as the Flames will have a tough time helping him get wins. Berra's fantasy fortunes dive steeply, as he now must battle Giguere for backup duties in Colorado. Neither Berra nor Giguere has much (if any) fantasy value now.
