Fantasy Impact – Pittsbugh has signed defenseman Zbynek Michalek to a five-year, $20 million contract.

The Penguins get: An extremely reliable two-way defenseman capable of playing in all situations. He immediately becomes Pittsburgh’s number one on the back end. He will log tough minutes both on the penalty kill and at even strength. He can move the puck, skate, and defend - the total package.

Fantasy Players impacted: Alex Goligoski and Kris Letang owners, rejoice! Unless Pittsburgh brings in an offensive defenseman, these two young studs will be expected to shoulder most of the top power play duties. Michalek can move the puck but he won’t be the first power play option for Dan Bylsma. Goligoski is the better of the two from a pure offensive standpoint, and could be in for a 45-50 point season playing on the top unit with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

Fantasy Players this helps, in order:

1. Goligoski/Letang

2. Michalek

3. Marc-Andre Fleury

Fantasy Players this hurts, in order:

1. Ilyz Bryzgalov

(This move hurts Phoenix as a whole, but Bryzgalov will feel the sting the most).

Comments (2)

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angus said:

	... Definitely - just added him!
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July 01, 2010
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Peter Belanger said:

	... I assume this will help Fleury as well?
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July 01, 2010
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