DUCKS GET CUMISKEY
The Anaheim Ducks acquired defenseman Kyle Cumiskey from the Colorado Avalanche for defenseman Jake Newton and a seventh-round draft pick in 2013.
What does it give the Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks have a lot of injuries and youth on the blueline, so adding a player with Cumiskey's speed and puck-moving skills is a nice depth move. Of course, he too is highly injury-prone (coming off last season's concussion and currently sidelined by a groin issue) but when healthy he can be a top-six rearguard.
What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
Newton hasn't impressed since turning pro but he has good size and has shown solid offensive tools at lower levels. Colorado can afford to give up on the oft-injured Cumiskey here, since they have several gifted offensive D-men like him in the minors right now (including Stefan Elliott and Tyson Barrie), and this lets them avoid having to switch up their current top-7 blueliners when he recovers. Colorado also seems to be focusing on size on their blueline lately--something Cumiskey lacks. The draft pick can be upgraded to a 2012 fifth rounder for the Avs if Cumiskey plays 45 or more contests with Anaheim.
Fantasy impact
