The Avalanche are being pro-active here in their attempt to get an eventual replacement at center for Ryan O'Reilly--who is one season away from unrestricted free agent and a likely trade candidate (even moreso now). Soderberg will likely step into that roster spot as a more natural playmaking pivot (with a bit less versatility and roster flexibility). Since O'Reilly currently makes $6 million and was reportedly asking for a lot more than that to re-sign, Soderberg may look like a bargain.

For the Bruins, they get something for nothing here since they were unable to re-sign Soderberg due to salary-cap restrictions. Boston receives a draft pick that they had originally sent to Colorado in order to acquire forward Maxime Talbot and Paul Carey at the March trade deadline last season. Moving forward, the Bruins will probably use young center Ryan Spooner in Soderberg's old role as the No. 3 center behind veterans Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci.

Colorado is a good landing spot for Swede Soderberg, who turns 30 in early October. The Avs should have one of the most dynamic offenses in the NHL next season (and beyond), so his fantasy value should increase if he chooses to stay with the Avalanche.