AVS, BLUES COMPLETE BLOCKBUSTER
The Colorado Avalanche acquired defenseman Erik Johnson, center Jay McClement and a conditional first-round draft pick from the St. Louis Blues for winger Chris Stewart, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and a conditional second-round draft pick.
What does it give the Colorado Avalanche
This was as big a trade as we are likely to see this season. In Johnson, the Avs land a blueliner with the potential to become their go-to guy from the back end for the next 15 years. He is a former No. 1 pick overall and has mega talent. He was a bit disappointing in St. Louis, but still only turn 23 in March. In McClement, the Avs land a quality defensive pivot. He now gives them an awesome foursome down the middle (Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene, Ryan O'Reilly and McClement). The Avs also will turn a second rounder into a first with this deal. What they lose in this transaction is one of the true budding power forwards in the NHL in Stewart, as well as a future power-play QB in Shattenkirk. If Johnson reaches his potential in Denver, however, the Avs will be fine with this deal.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
Stewart provides St. Louis with yet another big body with skill. The Blues already boasted David Backes and T.J. Oshie as forwards in the "power forward" conversation, but Stewart has even more potential to reach his potential in that element of the game. Meanwhile, Shattenkirk should do a solid job of replacing Johnson from the back end. He has as much offensive upside, which is something the Blues need more of. Shattenkirk might not have as much all-round potential as Johnson, but he's a nice consolation prize when added to a package that includes Stewart. The Blues sacrificed a few positions in a future draft with this deal, and are now a bit thinner at center with the loss of the underrated McClement, but overall look like winners in this deal because of the arrival of Stewart.
Fantasy impact
