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Martin Havlat has left Chicago and signed a 6 year deal with the Minnesota Wild for 5 million dollars a season.

Minnesota Wild Fantasy Analysis:
Martin Havlat is certainly a top talent in the NHL, and the Wild are certainly lucky to have him. However, take several things into consideration before you pull the trigger on Havlat too early next season. Minnesota’s lack of depth can certainly put a dent in Havlat’s production in 2009-2010. Minnesota finished 22nd in the league last season in goals for while Chicago finished 4th. Also, this was the first time Havlat played more than 70 games in a season since 2001-2002. He is an injury prone player who could really toy with a fantasy manager’s patience if he or she drafts him too high. Right wing is extremely thin, and managers who have the option of drafting a player in front of Havlat are encouraged to do so. Kane, Hossa, St. Louis and Iginla are all good places to start.

Mike Knuble has signed a 2 year deal with the Washington Capitals for 2.8 million dollars a season.

Washington Capitals Fantasy Analysis:
This move certainly gives Bruce Boudreau some options both even strength and on the power play. While it’s certainly too early to predict how line combinations will look in October, Washington could certainly spread that top line talent out a little if they so desire. Knuble played on a team saturated in talent for the past 2 seasons and was still able to post around 50 points. Look for about the same from Knuble this upcoming season, perhaps a little more, and consider him a 2nd/3rd option in fantasy leagues at an extremely thin right wing position.

Mike Cammalleri has signed a 5 year deal with the Montreal Canadiens for 6 million dollars a season.

Montreal Canadiens Fantasy Analysis:
It’s incredible that an entire starting 5 has been transplanted in Montreal in the matter of a day or so. We all know Cammalleri has the skills to be a proficient goal scorer and perhaps Gainey is trying to re-kindle the chemistry that Gomez and Gionta had in New Jersey in 2005-2006 to give Cams the opportunity to finally hit 40 goals. Still, it’s certainly ok to be skeptical from a fantasy perspective. He can certainly be used as a top option at left wing, however, if players like Kovalchuk, Parise, Sedin, or Semin are available, it may be best to play it safe and go with a more solidified option.

Brian Gionta has signed a 5 year deal with the Montreal Canadiens for 5 million dollars a season.

Montreal Canadiens Fantasy Analysis:
As of right now, Alex Kovalev is still in Montreal, but that is likely to change before the summer is out. Gionta will be reunited with his New Jersey running mate Scott Gomez next season, but outside of 2005-2006, Gionta has had a fairly mediocre career in the National Hockey League. He’ll be top line in Montreal and could re-connect with Gomez for some razzle dazzle, however, for fantasy purposes, play it safe and consider at least a dozen right wingers ahead of Gionta, especially in keeper leagues.