WILD ADD WINGER BERGENHEIM
The Minnesota Wild acquired winger Sean Bergenheim and a seventh-round draft pick in 2016 from the Florida Panthers for a third-round draft pick in 2016.
What does it give the Minnesota Wild
This is a solid move for Minnesota, who have suddenly placed themselves in good position to make the playoffs. The Wild have a lot of young forwards, so adding the 31-year-old Bergenheim to the mix is a good thing. Furthermore, the veteran Finn should feel right at home in Minnesota, since three of the team's four centers are countrymen ({P Mikko Koivu}, {P Mikael Granlund} and {P Erik Haula}). With wingers such as {P Matt Cooke}, {P Jason Zucker} and {P Ryan Carter} all currently injured, Bergenheim was needed for a bottom-six forward role.
What does it give the Florida Panthers
For the Panthers, who also have playoff aspirations at this time, this deal is more about moving a disenchanted player. Bergenheim had reportedly asked for a trade recently and had been a healthy scratch in Florida's last seven contests. So, GM Dale Tallon did well here to land a high draft pick down the road (while surrendering a low pick of his own in order to accomodate Bergenheim). Tallon was looking to move a few veterans out anyway, since he has young forwards he needs to find out more about on the wings. This was a step in the right direction.
Fantasy impact
Bergenheim wasn't playing in South Florida, so obviously he should get a fantasy boost just by playing games for the Wild. That said, he is likely to fill a fourth-line role in Minnesota if the Wild remain reasonably healthy up front. The big winner after this trade could be some of Florida's young forwards such as the currently injured {P Brandon Pirri} (upper body, IR), rookie center {P Vincent Trocheck}--who might be able to play more wing now--and current AHLer {P Rocco Grimaldi}.
Player focus
Florida Panthers
a third-round draft pick in 2016
