The role of seventh defenseman was always going to come down to Kris Russell or Ian Cole. Cole was a homegrown guy, and he had the edge just based on investment of time. The Blues placed Kris Russell on waivers, to be had for free - so of course he cleared them and then Calgary GM Jay Feaster promptly traded a fifth round pick in the 2014 draft for him.
Feaster has been able to work out a contract extension for Russell, but still, why not get him on waivers when you don't have to give a thing up for him? Good job Doug Armstrong for getting an pick for a guy you wanted to get rid of for free.
Russell had a goal and six assists in 33 games last year, and finished with a +6. The previous season he was a +13, so this isn't a bad deal for Calgary.