The Avalanche announced today that they have traded T.J. Hensick to the St. Louis Blues for Julian Talbot.

Hensick, who was a Hobey Baker finalist, never established his game in the NHL. His small frame allowed him to be pushed around and his defensive etiquette was sorely lacking. Despite his efforts, Hensick was never able to stick with the Avs and found himself entrenched in a minor league role.

Talbot, a 6'0 185 left wing, is a grinding type player for the AHL. He has also had trouble gaining a foothold in the NHL.

Basically this is a deal of two players who needed a change of scenery, a simple deal, nothing like the one the Blues made earlier in the day for Jaroslav Halak.

Perhaps Hensick will figure out his game and stick in the NHL however he needs to do a lot of work in all parts of his game if he is to make it in the NHL.

Signings ahoy

As well as announcing the trade, the Avs announced they have signed deals with Ray Macias, Phillipe Dupuis and Kevin Porter. Terms were not announced but they should be around the 850K to 1 million range. They were all three signed for a one year deal.

All three, especially Macias, should help Lake Erie and possibly finally enable them to make the playoffs.

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