Fri, Dec 9, 2011 at 11:40am

HABS ADD KABERLE FOR SPACEK

The Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Tomas Kaberle from the Carolina Hurricanes for defenseman Jaroslav Spacek.

What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens live and die with their power play, and this season they've been dying. Enter Kaberle, who has struggled to find his game ever since he was traded from Toronto to Boston late last season. However, he does have plenty of power-play pedigree, which is what the Habs need at this time. Montreal is taking a huge risk here, however, since Kaberle (33) has two more seasons left on his contract at a cap hit of $4.25 million.

What does it give the Carolina Hurricanes
Spacek is a solid veteran who has been injured lately, but was playing well before that. He'll help new Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller get his message across to his new team, since Spacek and Muller were together in Montreal the last few seasons. Spacek's older than Kaberle, and not nearly as good on offense anymore. However, his contract expires at season's end. A good salary dump by Carolina here.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Carolina Hurricanes

Jaroslav Spacek D

Montreal Canadiens

Tomas Kaberle D