FLYERS ADD MALAKHOV FOR DEPTH
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Vladimir Malakhov from the New York Rangers for prospect Rick Kozak and a second-round draft pick in 2005.
What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers are not completely healthy along the blueline and, obviously, GM Bob Clarke wasn't totally comfortable with the situation. However, Malakhov is old, injury-prone and somewhat soft when not properly motivated. As a result, Clarke spent far too much for a defenseman that won't likely suit up in the playoffs should all the Philly regular blueliners return from injury.
What does it give the New York Rangers
While Kozak is a decent prospect with still more growing to do, the real key to the trade from a Rangers perspective is the second-round pick in what is expected to be a very deep draft (2005). It's been a long time coming but the Blueshirts are finally going about their rebuilding plan the right way.
Fantasy impact
