Confirmed with Link: Leopold Traded to Columbus for 5th Round Pick

[BlueDream]

Per all the guys on Twitter just now.

Glad he's off our hands.

Update: The pick is in 2016. And Chris Butler is being recalled.

https://twitter.com/andystrickland/status/533676250233978881

Click to read more...

 

[KirkOut]

Yay we got something for Leopold

Oh no Chris Butler totally sucks

I'm *hoping* this paves the way for Lindbohm. Butler comes up to be the 7th D-man in case of emergency while Lindbohm keeps playing in the A. If anyone gets hurt long-term Lindbohm is recalled and inserted before Butler. I hope

 

[542365]

I'm sure Butler can sit in a pressbox just as well as Leo I imagine if we have a long term injury on the back end, Lindbohm will be called up. Glad to get anything out of him.

 

[Alklha]

Very interesting. We have downgraded our 7th D, but cleared cap space. I wonder is this is with an eye for later, or there is something else brewing.

 

[Blanick]

Opens up some cap space. I am ok with this.

 

[2 Minute Minor]

Butler is coming up to sit in the press box. He'll get a game now and then to keep from rusting over completely. Its not clear, but Lindbohm may be ahead of him on the depth chart if there is need for a regular player (due to injury). I haven't seen him since his call-up, and the reports have been mixed.

This frees up salary for the team to make other moves as the season goes along. I doubt there is anything imminent, but we could see a move to tweak things and bring in another winger. I think the defense is set. I could see the Blues parting with a prospect like Rattie as the main piece and maybe Berglund going the other way to bring in an upgrade at wing.

But if you asked me today, I'd say that Lindstrom's position is the one most easily upgraded. I think that experiment is quietly failing, and that putting him on the line with Steen is a last attempt to get some chemistry there. But there is no way the team brought Stastny at 7M to put Lindstrom on his wing.

At any rate, I think a move like that would require some horse-trading back and forth for a while and wouldn't occur until later in the year. Who is this year's Vanek that would could acquire without having a 1st round pick?

 

[Note Worthy]

This sounds good to me.

 

[BlueDream]

Chris Hrabe ‏@chrabe 5 minutes ago

Trade creates $1.1mil prorated cap space. Armstrong says gives team flexibility to recall Butler, potentially "do some other things."

Hmm...

Butler sucks but I suspect he won't play much. And we still have Lindbohm available if we need insurance. So I like this.

 

[2 Minute Minor]

I thought Leopold might hold negative value and the Blues would have to sweeten the deal for someone to take him. But if you're injury-riddled as bad as Columbus (and have plenty of cap space) then its doable.

It was obvious he needed to be traded, and it was smart for Armstrong to wait until a team in need was willing to take him. Getting a pick of any kind is a good trade here. Its not that Leopold is terrible, just that he's overpaid for his role and that kind of nullified any value he has.

I wish him luck (and Columbus).

So...the Blues defense is set. The center position is set (unless you think its smart to move Backes to wing, but I am not in that camp). RW looks shaky with Lindstrom being on Stastny's line. I think the Berglund-Backes-Oshie line looks fantastic as the shut-down specialists who can contribute points. I want to keep that line, and limit the minutes a bit (or spread them more evenly) to keep Backes fresher.

But we need someone to put with Steen-Stastny. Obviously its not Rattie right now. I'd like to see the team trade Rattie and a 2nd for an upgrade rental there, and I think that price is pretty good in light of last year's deadline pricing (for example Vanek).

Who is a potential rental at RW? Can we get a list going for realistic targets (and not pipe dream deals where the Blues use Shattenkirk as currency)?

Contrary to a lot of opinion on this board, I think Berglund is playing well in his role and is unlikely to be traded away. Maybe in the off-season (I realize he has a limited NTC) but he's driving possession and solid defensively, and has been part of some scoring chances just with a painfully low S% right now (which will regress back to something decent eventually, and increase his confidence too). The Blues should hold onto him for the Backes/Oshie line if they can.

If you DO trade Berglund as part of a package for a winger, then you're still stuck with Lindstrom. I'm waiting for Jaskin to officially displace Lindstrom, and a little surprised it hasn't happened yet.

 

[BlueOil]

If the pick was this year's, I'd be happier. It's not terrible value for Leo, but being 2 drafts away, we could've at least gotten a higher round. Oh well.

Cole's being handed the reigns for better or worse.

Saves cap space which we all expected to happen at some point.

 

[BlueDream]

Now with more cap space, we can really focus on the one move that needs to be made: Getting a top 9 RW.

Two options here:

1.) Simply upgrade Joakim Lindstrom's spot. To do this you just add a complimentary piece like Joel Ward or Nick Foligno. Upcoming UFAs who I think would fit in our lineup perfectly going into the playoffs. Shouldn't cost too much.

2.) Or do you want to make a bigger splash and make guys like Berglund and Oshie available for a legit top 6 goal scorer to help out Tarasenko? Someone in the mold of an Eberle, since I'm not sure who else is available.

Either way, this is the one hole that remains up front. I'm not a Lindstrom fan, nor am I a Paajarvi fan. I like Jaskin but I question his ability to make an impact this season. If we can acquire this player, which Armstrong should be looking to do, our roster looks pretty good. Of course, if we do use a Berglund+Oshie package for a top player, we will likely need to add another depth forward for cheap.

 

[izzy]

Sounds good. It's a shame Leopold couldnt have even been a fractionof his old self when here.

 

[2 Minute Minor]

Now with more cap space, we can really focus on the one move that needs to be made: Getting a top 9 RW.

Two options here:

1.) Simply upgrade Joakim Lindstrom's spot. To do this you just add a complimentary piece like Joel Ward or Nick Foligno. Upcoming UFAs who I think would fit in our lineup perfectly going into the playoffs. Shouldn't cost too much.

2.) Or do you want to make a bigger splash and make guys like Berglund and Oshie available for a legit top 6 goal scorer to help out Tarasenko? Someone in the mold of an Eberle, since I'm not sure who else is available.

Either way, this is the one hole that remains up front. I'm not a Lindstrom fan, nor am I a Paajarvi fan. I like Jaskin but I question his ability to make an impact this season. If we can acquire this player, which Armstrong should be looking to do, our roster looks pretty good. Of course, if we do use a Berglund+Oshie package for a top player, we will likely need to add another depth forward for cheap.

Half the highlights I see where Eberle is on the ice, he's on the wrong side of a guy scoring a goal against Edmonton. I think he'd be a project before he'd improve this team. I don't think a deal like that is smart for a team that wants to contend for the Cup right now.

I much prefer a guy who already knows how to play hockey, and target Lindstrom's spot as the place to upgrade. I think that STL line is canonized now. I think the Berglund/Backes/Oshie line will be very effective as a defensive force, and a threat to score a decent amount. But Stastny may be wasted if Lindstrom is his scoring threat (with Steen on the other wing).

I really don't know who are likely to be the UFA rental list that could fit that budget and reasonably return something like Rattie + 2nd value. I'd like to see a list come together for discussion. Maybe there's still not enough salary space for a deal like that without moving Berglund.

 

[BlueDream]

Half the highlights I see where Eberle is on the ice, he's on the wrong side of a guy scoring a goal against Edmonton. I think he'd be a project before he'd improve this team. I don't think a deal like that is smart for a team that wants to contend for the Cup right now.

I much prefer a guy who already knows how to play hockey, and target Lindstrom's spot as the place to upgrade. I think that STL line is canonized now. I think the Berglund/Backes/Oshie line will be very effective as a defensive force, and a threat to score a decent amount. But Stastny may be wasted if Lindstrom is his scoring threat (with Steen on the other wing).

I really don't know who are likely to be the UFA rental list that could fit that budget and reasonably return something like Rattie + 2nd value. I'd like to see a list come together for discussion. Maybe there's still not enough salary space for a deal like that without moving Berglund.

I agree. If I'm the Blues I go after a complimentary piece. I want a guy like Ward or Foligno. They can score goals and also play a gritty playoff-style game. Should help us against the LAs and Anaheims of the West.

If you roll:

Schwartz-Lehtera-Tarasenko
Steen-Stastny-Foligno?
Berglund-Backes-Oshie
Ott-Lapierre-Reaves

With our defense and goaltending, I'd take my chances to see if that roster can get the job done. I don't see any weak links. You have a good top 6 that can score, a very solid two-way 3rd-line, and a good crash and bang 4th-line.

If that lineup doesn't get it done and we bow out again in the first two rounds, then yes I'd make a shakeup move with Berglund and others (maybe Oshie) out the door and try bringing in another proven goal scorer. But until then, we're still 2nd in the West right now...I'm not sure we need to change a whole lot aside from ending the Lindstrom experiment.

 

[Mike Liut]

Half the highlights I see where Eberle is on the ice, he's on the wrong side of a guy scoring a goal against Edmonton. I think he'd be a project before he'd improve this team. I don't think a deal like that is smart for a team that wants to contend for the Cup right now.

I much prefer a guy who already knows how to play hockey, and target Lindstrom's spot as the place to upgrade. I think that STL line is canonized now. I think the Berglund/Backes/Oshie line will be very effective as a defensive force, and a threat to score a decent amount. But Stastny may be wasted if Lindstrom is his scoring threat (with Steen on the other wing).

I really don't know who are likely to be the UFA rental list that could fit that budget and reasonably return something like Rattie + 2nd value. I'd like to see a list come together for discussion. Maybe there's still not enough salary space for a deal like that without moving Berglund.

That's because his team sucks

 

[CBJorBust]

Now with more cap space, we can really focus on the one move that needs to be made: Getting a top 9 RW.

Two options here:

1.) Simply upgrade Joakim Lindstrom's spot. To do this you just add a complimentary piece like Joel Ward or Nick Foligno. Upcoming UFAs who I think would fit in our lineup perfectly going into the playoffs. Shouldn't cost too much.

2.) Or do you want to make a bigger splash and make guys like Berglund and Oshie available for a legit top 6 goal scorer to help out Tarasenko? Someone in the mold of an Eberle, since I'm not sure who else is available.

Either way, this is the one hole that remains up front. I'm not a Lindstrom fan, nor am I a Paajarvi fan. I like Jaskin but I question his ability to make an impact this season. If we can acquire this player, which Armstrong should be looking to do, our roster looks pretty good. Of course, if we do use a Berglund+Oshie package for a top player, we will likely need to add another depth forward for cheap.

Lol @ Nick Foligno.... He isn't going anywhere IMO

 

[Falco Lombardi]

I always thought, listening to how Army reacted to the J-Bo trade, that Leopold would never have been a Blue had Army known he could get Bouwmeester.

Hope he does well in Columbus.

 

[David Dennison]

Never h

 

[Thallis]

Considering we couldn't recall anyone earlier in the season because of cap issues, this make nothing but sense.

 

[Alklha]

Now with more cap space, we can really focus on the one move that needs to be made: Getting a top 9 RW.

Two options here:

1.) Simply upgrade Joakim Lindstrom's spot. To do this you just add a complimentary piece like Joel Ward or Nick Foligno. Upcoming UFAs who I think would fit in our lineup perfectly going into the playoffs. Shouldn't cost too much.

2.) Or do you want to make a bigger splash and make guys like Berglund and Oshie available for a legit top 6 goal scorer to help out Tarasenko? Someone in the mold of an Eberle, since I'm not sure who else is available.

Either way, this is the one hole that remains up front. I'm not a Lindstrom fan, nor am I a Paajarvi fan. I like Jaskin but I question his ability to make an impact this season. If we can acquire this player, which Armstrong should be looking to do, our roster looks pretty good. Of course, if we do use a Berglund+Oshie package for a top player, we will likely need to add another depth forward for cheap.

The Capitals have got no reason to trade Ward unless they are getting an upgrade, they'll see themselves as a playoff team. Foligno is more interesting if Columbus view themselves as out of it soon, but I'd imagine there would be some demand for him. Who knows how Jarmo views Berglund these days...

I still think a bigger deal is more likely after the season, but it is certainly an option now.

 

[542365]

I'm glad we can actually call someone up if we need to. We're retaining 500K(didn't see that posted here), so it actually doesn't save that much space, but at least enough to call someone up at league minimum.

 

[BlueOil]

Ward or Boedker would be my preferred options if we're chasing UFA RWs.

Foligno will cost too much. He Johansen and Hartnell are really the only consistent offense CBJ has, doubt they'd move that.

Eberle could be tricky to get from Edmonton, doubt they're just open to trading him.

Stafford might be an option, I could see Buffalo willing to move him for some pieces.

Stewart's an impending UFA RW...

 

[David Dennison]

He was a fine player, but he was simply getting paid too much for his role on the team. Blues get a little thinner on D. Arent/Werent the Blues pretty much up against the cap?

 

[BlueDream]

I'm glad we can actually call someone up if we need to. We're retaining 500K(didn't see that posted here), so it actually doesn't save that much space, but at least enough to call someone up at league minimum.

Still saves over a million now. And apparently, according to CapGeek, we'll have 8 mil in space at the deadline? Wow.

 

[Multimoodia]

Who is a potential rental at RW? Can we get a list going for realistic targets (and not pipe dream deals where the Blues use Shattenkirk as currency)?

Off the top of my head:

Jagr, Havlat and Ryder from Jersey
Erat from the Coyotes
Stafford from the Sabres
Cole from Dallas (unlikely as that is)

There are a couple of others but I cannot remember exactly who they are. After that point I think the Blues are stuck with players who are not demonstrably better or worse than Lindstrom.