INJURY-RAVAGED DUCKS ADD MORE D-MEN
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Colby Robak from the Florida Panthers for defenseman Jesse Blacker and a conditional draft pick.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are in need of help on defense, with two of their top four rearguards--{P Francois Beauchemin} (broken finger, IR) and {P Ben Lovejoy} (hand, IR) currently sidelined. {P Eric Brewer} (broken foot) was recently acquired from Tampa Bay, but he too is now down and out. So, enter Robak. He's a serviceable defenseman who has more experience than Blacker (who recently had a cup of coffee with Anaheim) and should fill a depth role in the interim.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
For the Panthers, they're giving Robak a chance to play a little more--since he was the No. 7 blueliner in South Florida and had appeared in just seven of 23 games so far in 2014-15. Blacker has less NHL experience but more upside (and is also a right-handed shooter, which adds to his overall value to the organization). He may inherit Robak's old position as Florida's No. 7 blueliner, or continue to bide his time down on the farm. The conditional draft pick is a bonus here.
Fantasy impact
Blacker has more fantasy value than Robak, so his stock is on the rise. If he makes it as a full timer with the Cats, he could be a dark horse. That said, he will always be somewhat limited in terms of point production.
