Fantasy Impact: The Devils have cleared some cap space, trading Brian Rolston away for winger Trent Hunter. Rolston's cap hit this season is $5 million (free agent next summer), while Hunter is scheduled to make $2 million each season for two more.

The Islanders get: An aging winger with a booming slap shot. Rolston will be a good veteran presence for the likes of Grabner, Okposo, Tavares, Bailey, and so on. He'll probably play on the third line at even strength, but should see ample power play time. Does he play opposite Mark Streit on the first unit? It would be an interesting combination to try out.

The Devils get: Most importantly, $3 million in cap space. Hunter is a decent fourth line player who is tremendously overpaid at $2 million per season. This gives New Jersey room to give Parise the money he is looking for. Hunter had no future with the Islanders, and he'll likely slot in on the fourth line in New Jersey. Hunter played only 17 games last season due to injury, and they have essentially killed whatever fantasy value he may have possessed at one time.

Some names to watch for - Adam Henrique (Taylor Hall's OHL linemate), Nick Palmieri, and David Clarkson (maybe he slides back into the top nine).

Fantasy Players Impacted: Rolston's increases a bit as I think he'll see an increase in ice time and offensive responsibility. I don't think this will significantly affect any of New York's other forwards negatively. It may steal some PP time away from MacDonald or Hamonic on the back end, though. In New Jersey, this opens up cap space for Parise and a roster spot in the top line for a player.

Fantasy players this helps, in order:

1. Rolston

2. Henrique

3. Clarkson

Fantasy players this hurts, in order:

1. Blake Comeau (PP time)

2. PA Parenteau (PP time)

3. Nino Niederreiter (potential top nine spot)

Comments (8)

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Jeff Angus said:

	... Brayden: Parise-Zajac-Palmieri Kovalchuk-Josefsen-Elias/Tedenby My guesses.
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July 28, 2011
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Mr Sausage said:

	... @fzusher Thanks for pointing that out. I didn't know they were in danger of not hitting the floor. That makes a bit of sense now.
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July 28, 2011
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Brayden said:

	Devils top six I'm interested in what you, Dobbs, think the Devils top six will look like in terms of line combos. You think Clarkson maybe gets back in the top six? Then I'm guessing you think Elias or Tedenby won't be in the top six? Can Elias go back to playing in the middle? Options are there I guess but with Parise/Kovalchuk/Elias, the LW is out of whack with the rest of the team.
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July 28, 2011
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fzusher said:

	and BTW Chris Botta reports sources tell him this was a prelude to another trade that they are now working on, so who knows. Start the Weber rumors ... ok, maybe not.
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July 28, 2011
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fzusher said:

... @Mr Sausage - Don't forget the Isles need to get to the floor. Getting 5M committed to one player means they can have more low salaried roster spots. On the other hand, next year, when Tavares will be on a new contract, they won't need Rolston's salary nor Hunter's, so it made more sense for them to acquire the salary via a trade that frees up Hunter's 12-13 money (as well as finding a guy who's been a loyal servant an opportunity to play without having to move). Ironically, Rolston is now the highest paid Isle, and has pushed Yashin (buy out) out of their top-5 earners list.

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July 28, 2011
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Mr Sausage said:

Confusing trade I understand the need to get a veteran to mentor the young guys. Obviously money is not an issue for the Islanders as your paying him 5 million for an aging player who is a shell of his former self. There are surely cheaper alternatives. How about Ethan Moreau? Or Mike Grier? I know they don't have the shot that Rolston has and more than likely they are 4th liners but those guys are leaders. I just find it confusing when there are the same type of players for much cheaper.

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July 28, 2011
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Tim Lucarelli said:

	... Couldn't have made this trade yesterday Lou, Garth?
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July 28, 2011
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Rob Myatt said:

	You're Fast! Firstly, how quick the Dobber team is when it comes to posting trades/signings and thier fantasy impact. I guess this move also makes it a bit more difficult forryan strometo crack the roster. I realize he's a C, but the fantasy player in me had dreams of him moving to the wing and playing top 6.
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July 28, 2011 | url
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