Get ready for big numbers from Hossa; Bernier slides seamlessly onto top line; Smith is now the man in TB; Some underrated players moved at the deadline; The trickle-down effect of trades; and more...

KEEPER CORNER  Brule Photos: Getty Images THE TRADE DEADLINE had its buyers and its sellers. In many cases, the teams that were sellers, and some of the buyers as well, pulled off moves that had a trickle-down effect on their system. Suddenly, some prospects and young players have moved up the depth chart in a big way. Here are some of the main ones... Carey Price, G Montreal Canadiens Gilbert Brule, C Columbus Blue Jackets   Nathan Paetsch, D Buffalo Sabres Chris Conner, RW Dallas Stars Jaroslav Halak, G Montreal Canadiens Peter Harrold, D Los Angeles Kings Dave Bolland, C Chicago Blackhawks Brett McLean, RW Phoenix Coyotes Devin Setoguchi, RW San Jose Sharks Jeremy Williams, RW Toronto Maple Leafs

 STOCK Watch 

HE HAS BEEN there before but this time it's different. Yes, Steve Bernier had seen some time on the first line in San Jose, but coach Ron Wilson changes line combinations more than he changes his socks. Now that he is in Buffalo, Bernier can relax with the knowledge that he will get a few games on the top line before coach Lindy Ruff considers moving him. Judging by his first game with linemates Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy, it looks pretty promising. Bernier had two goals and three points against Nashville Wednesday.

HIS STOCK HAS been falling for a couple of seasons now, but everybody deserves a second chance. Could Tuomo Ruutu go to a better team than the heaven for second chances--the Carolina Hurricanes? On a team that has turned around Matt Cullen and Sergei Samsonov this season and Ray Whitney last campaign, the once highly-touted forward will slide right onto the second line and be counted on to contribute immediately.

GOING FROM BACKUP to starter is never a bad thing. Former Dallas netminder Mike Smith suddenly finds himself as the main man in Tampa Bay. Is he up for it? It says here that he is. He is certainly much more prepared than rookie Karri Ramo was, and he couldn't be any worse than Marc Denis or Johan Holmqvist. At any rate, the Lightning ride their top goalie through thick and thin--no matter how bad they perform. Smith will start pretty much every contest going forward and if he performs well, he will be their man again next season too. This is his big chance.

IT CERTAINLY LOOKS like former superstar and Hart Trophy winner Sergei Fedorov's career is on the decline. That being said, nothing could put that theory to the test more than sliding him onto a line with one of the best snipers in the NHL in Alexander Ovechkin. In fact, if the team decides to go with an all-Russian unit of Ovechkin, Fedorov and Alexander Semin, Fedorov will tally a lot of points just by accident alone! Traditionally, Fedorov has stronger second halves so if he doesn't bounce back now, he never will.

THERE ARE MANY factors to consider when studying the change in fantasy value of Atlanta's newly-acquired winger Colby Armstrong. On one hand, the team needs his sandpaper, his energy, and his decent scoring touch so the healthy scratches he received in Pittsburgh won't happen in his new city. His ice time will also increase. On the other hand, no more chances on a line with Sidney Crosby, where he often showed tremendous chemistry. Instead of a 40-point player with plenty of upside--perhaps as many as 70 points--it is likely that you now have a 50- to 55-point player with little upside at all.

 SLEEPING Giant 

   Marian Hossa, Pittsburgh Penguins
In a career where he has constantly bettered his numbers, Hossa has had a sub-par season this time around. That's certainly about to change now that he is in Pittsburgh. He will be lining up with either Evgeni Malkin or Sidney Crosby on his line. You can't ask for two better pivots and there is little doubt that the pending unrestricted free agent will flourish for the next six weeks. The 29-year-old had his first career 100-point season last year and with that kind of talent setting him up now, he will match or better the 1.22 points-per-game average from 2006-07.

 INJURY Update 

MAXIM AFINOGENOV HAS BEEN BACK skating with his Buffalo teammates for nearly a week now and of all of the injured Sabres, coach Lindy Ruff has indicated that he is the closest to make a comeback. Afinogenov has been out with a groin injury that has cost him 29 games and counting. Teammate Jochen Hecht (groin) has not been skating and Drew Stafford (ankle) is doing some light skating but not taking any contact. Barring setbacks, Afinogenov should be back within a week, while Hecht and Stafford may be closer to two.