Sure, they add a pretty good power-play defenseman, but they loose one of their toughest net-clearing defenseman. They also loose ton’s of experience in return for a borderline prospect who hasn’t proved much, even given an opportunity to play with two of the best at their positions (Heatley and Spezza), and a player who is about one trade away from officially being a journeyman.

Seems like they traded to fill one hole, only to create another. I don’t get it.

Ottawa gets pretty much exactly what they need, cup winning veterans, a huge tough defenseman and secondary scoring. That frees up players like Redden to be more offensive-minded on defense, and alleviates pressure from the Spezza line, and gives players like Vermette and Fisher someone who can actually put the puck in the net. It also gives them the option of separating Heatley and Alfredson to create two solid scoring lines, AND allows Fisher to concentrate more on the defensive aspect of his game.

I just don’t see how this makes sense for Carolina. While it is arguable that they have gotten worse, they certainly didn’t get better.