After making a massive move to acquire Pavel Datsyuk, some might think that the Blues were done trading, however three teams have rocked the league with a huge deal. After acquiring Zubov and Garon from the Coyotes, it was thought that Boucher would be moved, but none could expect the turnover that occurred today.
Leaving St Louis are Ryan Smyth, Brian Boucher, Ryan Malone, Dan Boyle, Brett Clark, Brent Burns, David Legwand and Mario Bliznak. With all but Boucher heading to Carolina while Boucher heads off to the Rangers.
Coming back to the Blues are two-way centre Mike Fisher, sniper Brian Rolston, playmaker Paul Kariya, defensive winger Jerred Smithson, offensive defenseman Joseph Corvo, shut-down defenseman Chris Phillips, gritty winger Chris Kunitz, Carolina's 1st round pick in the upcoming draft and goaltending prospects Devan Dubnyk and Jonathan Quick.
"We have always been on the look-out for a playmaking forward for our second line, after numerous attempts to acquire Connolly off Phoenix, we were forced to look at unrestricted free agents. We believe that Paul can bring the skill that we were looking for our second line and will benefit from Fisher's and Kunitz's gritty play."
Apparently rumours of yet another deal have emerged involving the 1st round pick they acquired from Carolina. Further reports will come in the next day or so.
"We've completely changed this team, we admit that we are asking a lot of our players to immediately gel with one another. But with the professionalism of this team and the adaptability of the coach, we believe we can now compete for a cup."
Expected Lines for tonights game against Detroit are:
"Not only do we believe that this team benefits with this trade now, but with the additions of prospects Devan Dubnyk and Jonathan Quick and players under contracts through next season, that it also looks to our future."
Although the Carolina 1st is believed to be involved in a deal, we are told it's not for a roster player. The Blues almost have 3 million in cap room left, but are not believed to be considering making a play for a capable third line RW.
After the Blues drew with division rivals Detroit 1-1 in which Paul Kariya scored his first goal in St Louis and Chris Kunitz and Hal Gill got their first point. The Blues announced yet another deal, sending Carolina's 1st round pick, prospect Aaron Marvin and Jeff Hamilton in exchange for Beniot Pouliot.
"I've always been a fan of Pouliot ever since the World Juniors, although stuck on a defensively minded team in Minnesota, we feel that he could quickly become a top line player in the near future."
Pouliot joins Eric Staal, Ladislav Smid, Bruno Gervais and Jonathan Quick as the main pieces of youth on the Blues roster.
