Fantasy analysis: Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell traded by Florida to Boston for Dennis Wideman, the 15th overall pick and a third rounder in 2011.

The Panthers get: an inconsistent and one-dimensional defenseman who is overrated by some of the higher ups in the NHL, judging by his $3.75 million contract, and by the fact that he was part of a package for a player such as Horton. The 15th overall draft pick we have as Dylan McIlrath, a defenseman - but it could land Florida a Vladimir Tarasenko or even a Jeff Skinner.

The Bruins get: a player with huge potential who really is on the cusp of busting loose. With gifted teammates, like he has now, Horton could be an 85-point player. They also get a solid defensive forward in Campbell, who at times has displayed a knack for providing offense in little hot streaks.

Fantasy Players Impacted: Wideman may have been on the outs in Boston, just like he was in St. Louis. Now he has a fresh start in Florida and it will be at least two years before he on the outs there. A revisit to 50 points won't happen, but 45 is possible. His arrival will hurt Keith Ballard's shot at getting on the top power play, and it may slow Dmitri Kulikov from taking as big a step as he might have otherwise. That's probably for the better, as far as development goes. With Horton out of the way, Michal Frolik will have a bigger role. Ditto for Shawn Matthias, who you might see finally take that step.

If Horton can stay healthy, which he has not over the last two years, he'll have a career season. Think big. Bigger than 70 points big. His presence will also help Boston's pivots. Marc Savard, David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron will all get a boost. Barring another trade, this will spell the end for another rebound year out of Michael Ryder. It won't happen, unless the team moves him or Marco Sturm.

Players this helps, in order:

1. Horton

2. Savard

3. Krejci

4. Wideman

Players this hurts, in order:

1. Ryder

2. Ballard

3. Kulikov

Comments (11)

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Andrew said:

	... shocked that this was the best offer florida got for a big young forward who has put up 30 goals before. His cap hit of $4m is very reasonable, and I can't help but feel Florida would've seen better offers on draft day. I'll be looking to acquire Horton this year, hoping for 40 goals, 70 points from him.
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June 23, 2010
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Larry said:

	great deal for the bruins Hortons tude had Tallon in handcuffs- but not sure Wideman helps them much. If Horton continues to crap the bed, this may work in FLA's favour. time for him to put up some big numbers.
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June 23, 2010
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Mabus said:

	... ...why no mention of the effect on the forwards in Florida? Horton led Florida forwards in icetime per game, and removing him is either a huge opportunity for someone to step up, or a huge hit on his previous linemates. Mabus
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June 22, 2010
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Dobber said:

	... I believe Wheeler is an integral part of the future in Boston as a fixture in their top six. I don't believe a trade will ever hurt his value, and some trades may help his value. This trade doesn't hurt or help.
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June 22, 2010
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Repent Tokyo said:

	... I could see Wheeler being moved for the 1st overall pick.
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June 22, 2010
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Jonny Cremo said:

	Blake Wheeler Does this move by Boston hurt Blake Wheeler? The wingers just received a shuffle. Any comments?
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June 22, 2010
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notoriousjim said:

... Horton is worth so much now. I am happy I traded for him in one of my 2 teams (i thought it was a buy low). Now he is going to stay on the wing and have a very good passer down the middle on the first or second line. I am also shocked that the Bruins were able to dump Wide that they did not want anymore, and only lose a 15th rounder for a great replacement for Kessel. Florida has me really scratching my head on this one. Why would they do this.

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June 22, 2010
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Jocular Hockey Manager said:

Cats/Bruins deal hardly makes sense. It all seems so 'bass ackwards'. Florida with an anemic offence trades one of their few top 6 forwards and arguably their best pure goal scorer. In return they receive an offensive D-man. They needed another blueliner, but the cupboard wasn't bare. Wideman's a decent blueliner, but not something you should be taking in trade for a potential 40 goal man. A 15th overall will only yield a franchise player on rare occasion. Perhaps they roll the dice with the pick on one of the Russian kids. Boston, with a plethora of forwards, brings in another top 6 type, impeding the likes of Lucic & Wheeler. Potentially they create a contract redundancy in regard to Ryder or Sturm. Their blueline which featured, just enough, but no spare materials, becomes thinner. Cap space, which was an issue before, remains the same in theory, but not in reality. They now need another blueliner and may have an excess budgeted towards their forwards. It can be successfully argued that they got a potential star in Horton, justifying the move.

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June 22, 2010
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Cold Squad said:

	This trade is crazy How could the Panthers give up on Horton for so little in return.
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June 22, 2010
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ultrawhiteness said:

	curious to see if Horton can elevate his game now that he's with a good team playing "meaningful" hockey, or whether he pulls an Olli Jokinen and can't figure out how to play with teammates in a tougher division.
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June 22, 2010
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steve said:

	Linemates? How do you see the Boston top 3 lines shaking down now? Perhaps they will try and keep Bergeron in the top 6 somehow along with Savard and Krecji? Anyways, this could spark a return to the Bruins of two seasons ago; one of the more dominant teams in the league. -CHeers
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June 22, 2010
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