Re-tooling the Habs D

The Montreal Canadians have signed Jaroslav Spacek to a 3 year, $11.5 Million deal and Paul Mara to a 1 year, $1.675 Million deal.

Jaroslav Spacek

Montreal jumped all over Spacek on

July 1st as they envision him as an affordable number 2 Defenceman that can play with Andrei Markov on the Powerplay. The 35 year-old Spacek matched his career high with 45 points last year in Buffalo. He brings a good transition game and a steady defensive presence.

Fantasy Outlook: At 35, Spacek can't be relied upon for big-time minutes in Montreal. He should immediately help their Powerplay and continue to put up decent points. Look for him in the late rounds to shore up your Defence depth.

Fearless Forecast: 75GP, 9G, 31A, 40PTS

Paul Mara

A former 7th overall pick by Tampa in 1997, Mara has great size, decent skill and moves well. After a career high of 47 points with Phoenix in 2005-2006, Mara looked to be one of the bright young Dmen in the league. Since then, Mara has travelled to Boston and New York where he has struggled to stay healthy. He reached 21 points last season which was his highest since his days in the desert. Has this former 1st rounder lost his offensive game with his confidence or can he bounce back in Montreal?

Fantasy Outlook:

Mara heads into Montreal with low expectations. They hope he can be a top 4 Dman who can play some PP time. This could be a great environment for Mara to get his game back. Don't draft him but keep an eye on him through the waiver wire as he could surprise with some decent points and PIMS.

Fearless Forecast: 75GP, 7G, 22A, 29PTS, 105PIMS

Chris

TRADER

The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed Mike Komisarek to a 5 year, 22.5 Million contract.

Komisarek leaves the Habs for their bitter rivals in the Big Smoke. Wanting the opportunity to play for US Olympic Head Coach Ron Wilson and GM Brian Burke, Komi has signed on to guard the crease in Toronto. Known for his tough, physical play, Mike is coming off a tough year which included a bum shoulder and humiliation at the hands of Milan Lucic. Look for Komisarek to provide a steady defensive presence on the revamped Leafs blueline.

Fantasy Outlook:  Komisarek is never going to put up huge fantasy points. While he skates well and moves the puck better then pundits credit him, he is best when playing a simple, chip the puck out game. He should also see his PIMs drop as he will no longer be the sheriff of a small Montreal team and is surrounded by a newly revamped, truculent Leafs line-up . This reduces his limited fantasy value even more. Look to draft Komi in the late rounds of roto leagues that reward penalties/hits etc. 

Fearless Forecast: 80GP, 3G, 18A, 21P, 90 PIMS

Chris