BACASHIHUA FOR BELLE
The St. Louis Blues acquired goaltender Jason Bacashihua from the Dallas Stars for defenseman Shawn Belle.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
In a swap of former first-round picks, the Blues gain a badly needed goaltender of the future in Bacashihua. While St. Louis management may still look for veteran help between the pipes, "Cash" will be given a long look as the immediate starter at training camp. Belle had plenty of potential, but the presence of Chris Pronger, Barret Jackman and Christian Backman in the organization made him expendable.
What does it give the Dallas Stars
The Stars needed more long-term help along their blueline, so management decided to deal from a position of strength (young goaltending depth) in order to secure the rights to the final pick of Round 1 in 2003. Belle should spend one more season in the WHL, before challenging for a roster spot in Dallas in 2005-06. The Stars love Belle's all-around potential.
Fantasy impact
