Analysis: Since posting 19 goals in his third NHL
season, Paille has struggled to duplicate the effort. Last
season he found himself shifting between Buffalo's bottom two
lines, and this year he's only cracked the lineup
twice. Paille is a strong forechecker who can translate hard
work into offensive opportunities. It would be unfair of the
Bruins to expect the winger to match his career numbers, but
given the injuries and lack of energy in Boston, Paille could
give his new team a jump if put in the right situation.
Full Story
RW Craig Weller
RW Alexander Fallstrom
2011 second-round pick
Analysis: Turning the Wild into an offensively minded
team hasn't been an easy task for new coach Todd
Richards. Kobasew could help in Minnesota's
transformation. The three-time 20-goal scorer is quick and
likes to shoot. He's the type of forward who will play through
adversity and battle for pucks, but his output can be
streaky. Boston, meanwhile, gets a big, physical player in
Weller. He will likely fill in for Milan Lucic, who will be
out of the lineup for an extended period with a broken
finger. The Bruins also pick up the Swedish-born Fallstrom, a
fourth-round pick in 2009. The winger excelled during his
senior season at Shattuck St. Mary's, posting 38 goals and 80
points in 48 games. Full
Story
Analysis: Involved in a trade for a second time this
offseason, Stralman should see more ice time and
responsibility with the Blue Jackets. Stralman appeared in 88
games with Toronto over the past couple seasons. His numbers
improved in 2008-09, when he netted 13 points in just 38
contests. The Swede's composure and hard shot should help
Columbus' power play, which was among the worst in the league
last season.
Full Story
Analysis: McCarthy, who played in Russia last season,
signed a one-year deal with Anaheim this summer. The late
summer additions of Nick Boynton and Steve Eminger, and the
emergence of prospect Luca Sbisa left him on the outside of a
crowded blueline. This is McCarthy's second stint with the
Thrashers organization. He'll begin the season with Chicago,
Atlanta's AHL affiliate, but could end up as the Thrashers'
seventh defenseman should injuries arise.
Analysis: Kessel, a restricted free agent, ended
contract negotiations with the Bruins earlier this month,
forcing Boston to seek a trading partner. The Maple Leafs
could have had Kessel for much less -- specifically a first-,
second- and third-round pick -- had they signed Kessel to an
offer sheet. But GM Brian Burke's stubborn reputation and
vocal criticism of teams signing restricted players made this
one more costly for Toronto. In Kessel, the Leafs get a fast,
versatile forward who has a dangerous shot and nose for the
net. He is coming off a career season in which he scored 36
goals and 60 points despite missing 12 games due to
illness. He'll improve Toronto up front, but his effort alone
may not get the Leafs back to the playoffs, in which Boston
could be looking at a lottery pick in 2010.
Full Story
Analysis: Everyone knew the Senators were in a bind to
move the disgruntled Heatley, which makes it surprising the
Sharks gave up so much for a guy who had a negative impact in
the Ottawa locker room. San Jose should get nothing from the
best from Heatley, who will likely undergo a significant
attitude adjustment now that he's on a winning team and will
be vying for a spot on Canada's Olympic team. The four-time
40-goal scorer should be a boon for the Sharks' top line, as
Joe Thornton finally gets a consistent finisher in one of his
wingmen. The Senators, meanwhile, get a former Richard Trophy
winner in Cheechoo, whose numbers have declined since his
career year in 2006. Assuming he gets paired with Jason
Spezza, Cheechoo has the potential to rebound this
season. They also get a two-way forward in Michalek, who was
good for at least 20 goals and 50 points during his time in
San Jose. Full Story
