Wed, Feb 9, 2011 at 12:30pm

DUCKS RE-ACQUIRE BEAUCHEMIN

The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Francois Beauchemin from the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Jake Gardiner and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2013.

What does it give the Toronto Maple Leafs
Lupul is a bit expensive ($4.25 million cap hit for two more seasons), so the Leafs are taking a bit of a risk of their own in this deal. However, Gardiner is the prize catch. A solid all-around defensive prospect, he could turn pro in 2011-12. For now, Beauchemin's minutes will be missed. The Leafs could recall Keith Aulie to replace him, which is a positive move for the future but a step back now. Because Gardiner was added, this was a good move for Toronto.

What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks already boast eight NHL defensemen on the current roster, so look for another move to occur soon. Beauchemin returns to the site of his best NHL days, though he's not the same player anymore at age 30. His arrival could be bad news for the likes of Paul Mara and Sheldon Brookbank. Losing Lupul on the third line should increase speedy Dan Sexton's minutes, but the Ducks also lose out a bit on offense here. It may be worth it, however, since Anaheim saves some cap space. Overall, giving up on Gardiner is somewhat questionable, but the emergence this season of both Cam Fowler and Luca Sbisa lessens the blow.

Fantasy impact