While there has been talk around the NHL circles since the Blues acquired Jay Bouwmeester from the Calgary Flames about possibly trading away one of the Blues defensive core, it does not appear that the St. Louis Blues will be active at all on today’s NHL trade deadline.

Mar 13, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Ian Cole (23) makes a pass against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Cole and Kris Russell‘s names have been thrown around by many in the media, but both are on the ice today at practice in St. Louis according to Lou Korac.

For those wondering about any #stlblues potential trade bait (remote at best), Kris Russell, Ian Cole & Wade Redden on the ice for practice.

— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) April 3, 2013

With the players on the ice you have to assume that GM Doug Armstrong truly has no plan to move either of these players.  Wade Redden is also on the ice despite the thought by some that he may be placed on waivers to be sent down to Peoria.  Redden was brought in to be a veteran presence  but the addition of Jordan Leopold and Bouwmeester seem to have pushed him out of the equation.

Still, if a good offer comes the St. Louis Blues way, don’t expect Armstrong to turn it down.  It appears that he may be happy going forward with 9 defensemen for the rest of the season and hopefully into the playoffs.

More as we have it.

LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan

Mar 12, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Kris Russell (4) makes a pass against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at the Scottrade Center. The Blues defeat the Sharks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The NHL trade deadline has finally hit and the St. Louis Blues seem to be finished looking to make a deal, but that won’t stop the trade rumors.  St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong did say that he would continue to listen to offers throughout the day, and Blues fans might be surprised before the day is over.

With so many teams looking to add to their defensive depth, especially on the left side, the St. Louis Blues may be the team to call for a low  cost option.  TSN’s Trade Centre seems to believe that Kris Russell is the most likely candidate to be traded including him in their list of the top 15 players considered trade bait for the day.  Might make sense if the Blues don’t want to ask Russell if he will be willing to give Bouwmeester his number…

Talk to some of the local fans though and they believe that it will be Ian Cole that finds himself the odd man out.  Cole has more upside in the long run, but would need a roster spot to prove his worth.  The Blues could look to acquire a high end draft pick after sending their first round pick to the Calgary Flames for Jay Bouwmeester.

Stay tuned to Bleedin’ Blue today for all of your St. Louis Blues deadline updates.

LET’S GO BLUES!

-Alex Hodschayan