Mon, Feb 26, 2007 at 12:00am

SOPEL RETURNS TO VANCOUVER

The Vancouver Canucks acquired defenseman Brent Sopel from the Los Angeles Kings for a conditional second-round draft pick and a fourth-round draft pick in 2008.

What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks desperately needed some experience and depth on the point. Beyond their top five, the team was relying on Rory Fitzpatrick and some untested youngsters. Sopel and his solid shot from the point shore up that weakness nicely. He was a member of the Canucks from 1998-2004, when he compiled 125 points in 302 contests, and was enjoying a good season in California. Also a potential unrestricted free agent this summer, the right-handed shooting blueliner is happy to be back in Vancouver and may be interested in re-signing during the off-season.

What does it give the Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are in rebuilding mode, again. Still murky is the veritable nature of which two draft picks the Kings will receive, but the return is excellent for yet another NHLer that was going to walk in the off-season. Sopel staying in Los Angeles would not have made a difference in the King's fortunes.

Fantasy impact