NIEMINEN TO SAN JOSE
The San Jose Sharks acquired winger Ville Nieminen from the New York Rangers for a third-round draft pick in 2006.
What does it give the San Jose Sharks
This is a strange trade, since Nieminen goes from a team likely to be a high seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs to a team on the outside looking in for a playoff spot in the West. However, the Sharks did need a more abrasive look to their lineup, and Nieminen will provide just that. That said, a third rounder is a hefty price for a player who may bolt as an unrestricted free agent this summer.
What does it give the New York Rangers
The Rangers have had a numbers issue at left wing all season, so dealing Nieminen will help resolve that problem. Youngsters Marcel Hossa, Ryan Hollweg and Petr Prucha--when he returns from injury--should all continue to see ice time with Nieminen out of the picture. A third rounder is excellent value for an energy-line player.
Fantasy impact
