BRAD STUART TO CALGARY
The Calgary Flames acquired defenseman Brad Stuart, center Wayne Primeau and a conditional draft pick from the Boston Bruins for defenseman Andrew Ference and winger Chuck Kobasew.
What does it give the Calgary Flames
Stuart is an Alberta native that played a little bit with the WHL's Calgary Hitmen in 1998-99. He's having a terrible season, but should be greatly improved if paired with Robyn Regehr in Calgary. He has good offensive tools and was not too long ago considered one of the league's top rising young blueliners. Primeau gives the Flames a reliable checking center who can also play left wing if the need arises. His size should also help in the playoff battle. Kobasew's departure is a major vote of confidence to rookie winger David Moss, who is likely to remain with the big club from now on. The conditional pick acquired by Calgary in this deal is probably contingent upon the club re-signing potential UFA's Stuart or Primeau--or possibly both.
What does it give the Boston Bruins
Both Stuart and Primeau were acquired from the Bruins in the Joe Thornton trade, so that deal looks even worse now. Moreover, the third player in that deal (Marco Sturm) is also expected to be moved before the deadline. In Ference, the Bruins get a solid blueliner who should replace Stuart, but without the offensive upside of the latter. Kobasew, currently injured, gives Boston yet another right-shooting winger with an underachiever tag. Once he returns to action, he's expected to be given a chance to emerge as a top six forward. The Bruins should have been able to get more for Stuart and Primeau if GM Peter Chiarelli would have waited until the 11th hour.
Fantasy impact
