O'BRIEN TO TAMPA BAY
The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired defenseman Shane O'Brien and a third-round draft pick in 2007 from the Anaheim Ducks for goaltender Gerald Coleman and a first-round draft pick in 2007.
What does it give the Tampa Bay Lightning
The Lightning get a little better and a whole lot more physical along their blueline with the acquisition of O'Brien, who is only 23. He should be a solid citizen in Tampa Bay for a long time. The price was hefty (first-round pick), but Lightning GM Jay Feaster is clearly in win-now mode. Coleman had fallen well down the depth chart this season, and was more than expendable. Adding a third rounder lessens the blow of losing their first rounder. A solid move by Feaster, especially since he's in a difficult position with a tight salary cap.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
Don't expect the Ducks to use the first rounder to make a selection in June. Instead, they will more than likely ship it before the deadline for immediate help--either at left wing or on defense. Suddenly, the Ducks are somewhat thin along the blueline, though having two franchise players (Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer) back there eases the situation to some degree. Once again, Ducks GM Brian Burke is being very pro-active here.
Fantasy impact
