F Cory Stillman, Ottawa Senators
Stillman was fantastic in the first two months of the season scoring 31 points total but endured a steep decline in December and January where he only totaled 14 points. Although he was struggling in Carolina, a trade to Ottawa may decrease Stillman’s value even more. In Carolina, Stillman was a top line player, often getting several minutes on the power-play. He developed great chemistry with his linemates and was on pace for a 70+ point year. In Ottawa, Stillman becomes second fiddle to Spezza Heatley and Alfreddsson, and although one can argue that Ottawa has more talent than Carolina, Stillman may never see icetime with any of the big three. The only hope for Stillman is if he becomes a regular on the power-play which could increase his numbers drastically. Without significant power-play time, expect a decline for the former Hurricane.
D Mike Commodore, Ottawa Senators
Commodore has never been much of an offensive producer and that probably won’t change with Ottawa. Even though Commodore enjoyed his best season last year scoring 29 points, Ottawa will primarily use him as more of a defensive specialist. With Corvo departing the Sens, a power-play spot is available but expect Ottawa to give Meszaros longer time on the pp and even letting Stillman get his chance. A change of scenery is nice for Commodore, but don’t expect much offensively from the defenseman.
F Patrick Eaves, Carolina Hurricanes
In his three years with Ottawa, Eaves has gotten better every year, increasing his point total along the way. Scoring 14 goals and 32 points last season, Eaves was expected to make more of a jump this season but has failed to do so, appearing in only 26 games while scoring 10 points. Currently sidelined with a neck, shoulder injury, it is unknown when Eaves will get back on the ice, but expect him to take some time getting adjusted to his new linemates. Nonetheless, Eaves is still a solid young player and can prove to be a valuable asset to Carolina in years to come.
D Joe Corvo, Carolina Hurricanes
Corvo is known more as an offensive defenseman, scoring 35+ points in his last two seasons. Struggling somewhat in the month of January, Corvo recently got hot with Ottawa scoring four points in his last three games. In Carolina, Corvo immediately becomes Carolina’s highest scoring defenseman (Bret Hedican is in second with 12 points) and should see lots of time on the Hurricanes top pp unit. With no reliable defensive scorer, Corvo should give Carolina a big boost in that department and enjoy great success on his new team.
For Illegal Curve, Jonny Remis
