LAPIERRE TO DUCKS
The Anaheim Ducks acquired forward Maxim Lapierre from the Montreal Canadiens for defenseman Brett Festerling and a fifth-round draft pick in 2012.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks receive a player that still hasn't found his true niche in the NHL, despite his reputation as an agitator of sorts. Blessed with good size, Lapierre doesn't relish dropping the gloves, which usually comes with the style of play he has been trying to make his mark with. A sound skater, he works hard and can play either center or wing. For starters, there's a chance he'll be asked to pivot the third unit in Anaheim. Lapierre apparently asked to be traded after he saw his ice time dwindle of late.
What does it give the Montreal Canadiens
He's still young but Festerling is already well-traveled, having seen his share of the Ducks' shuttle bus (between Anaheim and the AHL) in the last couple of years. The numerous veteran blueliners signed by the Ducks last summer pushed him out of a job in Anaheim. Mainly, Festerling projects as a lower-pairing defender, minus the agressive edge. Aside from finishing 2010 on a difficult note, Montreal has suffered important injuries on the blueline (Andrei Markov, Josh Gorges). The added depth that comes with Festerling won't hurt -- most especially since the farm isn't equipped to help. The fifth-rounder acquired by the Habs may also help down the road.
Fantasy impact
