SENS, AVS SWAP GOALIES
The Ottawa Senators acquired goaltender Craig Anderson from the Colorado Avalanche for goaltender Brian Elliott.
What does it give the Ottawa Senators
Anderson is the more proven commodity, but he's also a pending UFA (while Elliott can become an RFA this summer). So why did the Sens make this swap? Probably because they are still looking to solidify the goalie position, and also because Anderson is the more talented 'keeper. Elliott lacked consistency as a Sen, and he dropped the ball when given the chance to take over No. 1 duties from the injured Pascal Leclaire. Ottawa will now look to re-sign Anderson and likely move forward with him and young Robin Lehner as their 2011-12 tandem. This leaves Leclaire's status on the team all the more murky.
What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
Anderson imploded in Colorado this season, one year removed from playing the part of a franchise goalkeeper for the youthful Avs. Did Colorado give up on Anderson too quickly? Perhaps, but they also were staring at a situation where both Anderson and backup Peter Budaj were pending unrestricted free agents this summer. Elliott now becomes an important piece to the puzzle, since he's only scheduled to become an RFA on July 1. That said, Colorado's goaltending picture is worse than it was before this deal.
Fantasy impact
