Dr.Sens(e)
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(AP) St. Louis: With the Western Arms race in full swing, the league leading St. Louis Blues made a bold move at the mid-season point, acquiring forward Logan Couture from the Colorado Avalanche.
Going the other way in the deal, were forwards Lars Eller and Clarke MacArthur, along with blue chip prospect Jacob Zboril and the Blues 1st round draft pick in 2017.
The Blues also received a 3rd and 5th round draft pick, while agreeing to take on minor leaguers Jacob Graves, Tom Parisi and Nick Seeler.
While Couture will provide an immediate upgrade in the Blues top 6, he is also represents a key addition at forward for the long-term. With veterans Joe Thornton and the Sedins twins all in the twilight of their career, the Blues were looking to add a foundational piece at center in particular.
It is believed Couture will line-up with Thornton and Mark Stone to start, while Wayne Simmonds will remain with the Sedins on the Blues other top line. Andrew Shaw will move down to the 3rd line alongside Elias Lindholm and Anthony Duclair.
The Avalanche, boasting one of the top forward units in the league, have been major underachievers this season, and also face some tough decisions at forward with the expansion draft looming.
The Blues on the other hand, have been rolling. And for the expansion draft, it is believed the team will expose most of their older and more expensive players this spring, in order to protect the younger core players. This made the addition of Couture doable, as there was an extra spot for a core forward to be protected.
The Blues remain in a tight battle with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks atop both the Central division and Western Conference standings.
Going the other way in the deal, were forwards Lars Eller and Clarke MacArthur, along with blue chip prospect Jacob Zboril and the Blues 1st round draft pick in 2017.
The Blues also received a 3rd and 5th round draft pick, while agreeing to take on minor leaguers Jacob Graves, Tom Parisi and Nick Seeler.
While Couture will provide an immediate upgrade in the Blues top 6, he is also represents a key addition at forward for the long-term. With veterans Joe Thornton and the Sedins twins all in the twilight of their career, the Blues were looking to add a foundational piece at center in particular.
It is believed Couture will line-up with Thornton and Mark Stone to start, while Wayne Simmonds will remain with the Sedins on the Blues other top line. Andrew Shaw will move down to the 3rd line alongside Elias Lindholm and Anthony Duclair.
The Avalanche, boasting one of the top forward units in the league, have been major underachievers this season, and also face some tough decisions at forward with the expansion draft looming.
The Blues on the other hand, have been rolling. And for the expansion draft, it is believed the team will expose most of their older and more expensive players this spring, in order to protect the younger core players. This made the addition of Couture doable, as there was an extra spot for a core forward to be protected.
The Blues remain in a tight battle with the defending Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks atop both the Central division and Western Conference standings.
