The St. Louis Blues have traded veteran defensemen, Jordan Leopold to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In return, the Blues will receive a fifth round draft pick in the 2016 NHL entry draft.
This deal makes sense for both teams. Jordan Leopold wasn't going to get a lot of playing time this season thanks to the emergence of Ian Cole as a full-time NHL defensemen. The other reason is his $2,250,000 price tag is a tad hefty for a seventh defensemen.
The Blues get cap relief, but have retained $500,000 of Leopold's contract.
Columbus has been wrecked by injuries this season and acquiring a veteran defensemen like Leopold can go a long way compared to playing first years guys who aren't ready for full time NHL action.
With this deal, Chris Butler will be recalled and serve as the Blues seventh defensemen. A much cheaper option than Leopold while getting about the same production.
The Blues are set to take on the Washington Capitals tonight at the Scottrade Center, and it will be Brian Elliott vs Justin Peters guarding each goal when the puck drops tonight.
The 'STL line' will look to stay hot as they enter the game with a combine 30 points in the last seven games. It should be interesting watching the two best Russian stars face off tonight, as the red hot, Vladimir Tarasenko will look to out-shine Alexander Ovechkin and the Capitals.