DALLAS LANDS ENROTH FROM BUFFALO
The Dallas Stars acquired goaltender Jhonas Enroth from the Buffalo Sabres for goaltender Anders Lindback and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2016.
What does it give the Dallas Stars
The Stars get a clear upgrade at the backup goaltending position by landing Enroth--a talented, if undersized puck-stopper who knows Stars head coach Lindy Ruff well from their days together in Buffalo. He should do a much better job of challenging No. 1 netminder {P Kari Lehtonen} for playing time than fellow Swede Lindback, who was a gross underachiever in Dallas. Enroth is a nice addition for the Stars' playoff push.
What does it give the Buffalo Sabres
The Sabres don't have a clear No. 1 goaltender for the present and future, but they obviously didn't think the 26-year-old Enroth was the man to drive the bus down the road. Lindback is not likely the answer, either, and his new gig in Buffalo should be viewed as the 'Last Chance Saloon' for his NHL career. The key to this deal from a Buffalo standpoint is their move towards the future, including the potential for picking first overall in this June's draft. They also will receive a third rounder in this deal, and maybe even a second rounder if Enroth leads the Stars deep in the postseason. Unlikely.
Fantasy impact
This deal could help Enroth's fantasy numbers dramatically, even if it cuts into his playing time. He will definitely challenge Lehtonen for minutes in Dallas, though. One thing to consider, however: the Stars are also defensively-challenged, so perhaps Enroth's fantasy impact may be limited down the stretch. As for Lindback, he's not the answer to either Buffalo's needs or fantasy owners anywhere. {P Michal Neuvirth} now becomes Buffalo's likely starter and gets a real shot at proving he's the future in goal. Consider his fantasy stock spiked just a tad.
