Mon, Feb 29, 2016 at 2:59pm

DEVILS, HABS SWAP BIG WINGERS

The Montreal Canadiens acquired winger Stefan Matteau from the New Jersey Devils for winger Devante Smith-Pelly.

What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Habs claimed rugged veteran winger Mike Brown off waivers from San Jose, which made Smith-Pelly expendable. In Matteau, the Habs receive a strapping left-winger with an unrefined game (but still some upside as a power forward).

What does it give the New Jersey Devils
The Devils traded Lee Stempniak to Boston, which opened up a spot on right wing for Smith-Pelly with the Devils. Therefore, this deal could work out well for New Jersey. Smith-Pelly brings much-needed grit to the Devils' forward corps.

Fantasy impact
Smith-Pelly's fantasy value should spike up after this deal, as he may be given a legitimate top-nine forward role for the rest of 2015-16. Matteau is more of a project still, but should be a fantasy dark horse for 2016-17.

Player focus

New Jersey Devils

Devante Smith-Pelly RW/LW

Montreal Canadiens

Stefan Matteau LW