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Trade News: Zbynek Michalek To St. Louis Blues

By Kate Cimini

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St. Louis Blues have acquired defenseman Zbynek Michalek and a conditional third-round pick from the Arizona Coyotes.

Michalek has 8 points in 53 games, and a +/- of -6. What can we take away from this data? Michalek is not a shooter, that’s for sure. That aside, Michalek has the fifth-highest defensive Corsi impact in the league, as you can see by the chart from Ownthepuck below.

chart from ownthepuck.ca

Michalek will strengthen the Blues on the blue line and in front of the net, and may be exactly what we need in order to stump through the season until Shattenkirk is back. In fact, Shattenkirk-Michalek is currently my dream D pairing on the Blues. An offensively-gifted defenseman with a defensively-determined defenseman is one of the best combinations out there; they can lend offensive power to top lines while maintaining a clear defensive zone.

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Michalek is one of the last assets Arizona had to sell off that would generate decent revenue in return. Arizona is apparently burning everything to the ground and starting over, looking for picks and prospects in return.

While it’s a rare player who is excited to be traded, Michalek put on a good face today, telling the media, “I’m very excited, I’m going to a good team.” Who will welcome him with open arms.

Michalek has been out with a concussion since February 14th, and according to what he told Sportsnet today, had started exercising again, but not skating yet. His addition to the team won’t come for a few weeks yet, but he will be expected to jump right into a groove and stay there during the last month or so of the regular season.

What Did The Blues Give Up?

Not a lot, actually. It seems they got more than they gave. Per TSN reporter Christ Johnston, the Blues gave up a prospect Maxim Letunov, in exchange for a conditional third-round pick and Michalek. In addition, ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun stated that Arizona is retaining 50% of Michalek’s salary, who is on the last year of a 5 year, $20 million contract.

Letunov is a center, a former second-round pick the Blues scored in 2014 who is headed to Boston University.

The Russian native is known for having an excellent wrister, and has earned a total of 93 points over two seasons in the USHL. His two-way game needs work, but with a few years of development, he could be an amazing NHL talent. From Elite Prospects:

"Letunov is a skilled forward with slick hands, a hard wrist shot who makes crisp, accurate passes. Uses his frame to protect the puck but can get pushed off by stronger opponents. Flashes some gritty play and willingness to play a defensive responsible game but does not do so consistently. Has to add substantial strength and correct some issues in his mobility."

Letunov might be a great prospect, but the day he steps foot on NHL ice is still pretty far in the future. It was the best choice for the Blues to pick up Michalek now in their bid for the Finals.

How Are The Fans Reacting?

See for yourself:

Next: STL: Defenders Apply Within

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