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The Blues had an average week, but it could cost them as some other teams appear to be heating up. The Nashville Predators went from showing signs of mortality to comatose this week losing all their games. This week we also take a look at the trade deadline moves that affect the toughest division in the NHL.
The Records:
NSH 0 – 4 – 0
STL 1 – 1 – 1
CHI 2 – 0 – 0
MIN 4 – 0 – 0
WPG 1 – 1- 0
DAL 2 – 1 - 0
COL 1 -1 -0
Notable Roster Moves:
We will break it down be team this week since there will be a lot to cover. its possible this will be the format moving forward.
Nashville Predators:
The Predators decided to stand pat with their moves previous to this week. The aquistions of Cody Franson and Mike Santorelli.
Saint Louis Blues:
The Blues made a trio of moves this week. The largest of which was acquiring veteran defenseman Zybnek Michalek from the Arizona Coyotes along with a 2015 3rd Round Draft choice for unsigned draft choice Maxim Letunov who is currently playing in the USHL. Michalek was injured on Feb 14th and is experiencing concussion-like symptoms. The man they call Z has been skating since joining the team and is progressing quickly in his recovery.
Ian Cole was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Robert Bortuzzo and a 2016 3rd Round Draft pick. Ian Cole reportedly was looking for more ice time, and the Blues really need the physical presence of Bortuzzo at 6’4" 215lbs.
Armstrong also brought in a veteran forward to fill in in case of injury in the top nine. Olli Jokinen was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for Joakim Lindstrom and a 6th Round Draft Choice in 2016. Jokinen adds more experienced depth to the Note as well as a Hungry player who only has 6 playoff games in his career.
Chicago Blackhawks:
The Chicago Blackhawks made two moves this week at deadline time. They acquired Arizona Coyote forward Antoine Vermette for Defense prospect Klas Dahlbeck and a 2015 1st round pick. Vermette will definitely not replace the recently injured Patrick Kane, but will provide them with depth down the stretch in a tough cap situation.
The Hawks also swapped depth centers with the San Jose Sharks, grabbing Andrew Desjardins for Ben Smith and a 2017 7th Round Pick. The Hawks were looking for more experienced and all around option at 3c and they got that in Desjardins.
Minnesota Wild:
The Minnesota Wild picked up a prospect and a pair of former Blues in Jordan Leopold and Chris Stewart. Jordan Leopold joins the Wild in exchange for Justin Falk and a 2015 5th Round Pick. Chris Stewart makes his return to the Western Conference after being traded to the Wild for a 2017 2nd Round Pick. The Wild also grabbed prospect Jared Knight in exchange for Zack Phillips in a minor league deal.
Winnipeg Jets:
The Winnipeg Jets made a depth move at the deadline picking up journeyman and former Blue Lee Stempniak, from the Rangers, in exchange for Forward prospect Carl Klingberg.
Dallas Stars:
The Dallas Stars made a single move this year at the deadline, getting a few Mattias’ from the Detroit Red Wings. They acquired Defenseman Mattias Backman and forward Mattias Janmark and a 2015 2nd Round pick for Erik Cole and a 2015 3rd round selection. The move was somewhat surprising in the wake of several injuries to forwards for the Dallas Stars.
Colorado Avalanche:
The Colorado Avalanche also made 3 trades on deadline day. They picked up forward Jordan Caron and a 2016 6th rounder, from the Boston Bruins, for Max Talbot and Paul Carey both forwards. Defenseman Mat Clark also joins the Avs in exchange for forward Michael Sgarbossa and a 2015 7th round pick. The Avalanche and Sharks swapped prospects in a minor league deal with forward Freddie Hamilton joining the Avs and Karl Stollery, a defenseman, joins the Sharks prospect pool. In other news, former 1st overall pick of the Blues Erik Johnson is on IR with a Knee injury. Nathan Mackinnon will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured foot from blocking a shot against Tampa Bay.
The Links and News:
The Blues added a new member to their Executive Team this week in Steve Chapman. He will be working on Branding as well as Community and Partnership Development (http://blues.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=756978)
Former Blue Jackets Defenseman Jordan Leopold who was moved to the Wild on deadline day, had a funny story to explain from his 11 year old daughter, Jordyn. She wrote a to the Wild coaching staff asking them to trade for her father, because his family misses him. (http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/02/jordan-leopolds-daughter-may-have-orchestrated-the-minnesota-trade/)
Mrs and Mr. Carrie Underwood welcome their first child into the world on Tuesday. Some would wonder why this story shows up on a hockey site, but i guess her husband plays hockey or something. Congrats on the birth of your first child. (http://predators.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=756304)
Leave suggestions and thoughts in the comments. See you this time next week!