BLUES GET MUCH COVETED BOUWMEESTER
The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Jay Bouwmeester from the Calgary Flames for goaltender Reto Berra, defenseman Mark Cundari and a conditional first-round draft pick in 2013.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
After landing {P Jordan Leopold} earlier, the Blues made an even bigger splash with the acquisition of smooth-skating veteran Bouwmeester. He is likely to be paired next to {P Alex Pietrangelo} on the top pairing. Bouwmeester will log huge minutes in all situations and give St. Louis much more of an airtight feeling from the back end. The move is a bit risky for the Blues, since they are committing big money to a new acquisition despite their financial woes. It should be worth it if Bouwmeester helps St. Louis make a deep run in this year's playoffs.
What does it give the Calgary Flames
For the Flames, it's back to the drawing board now that their two best players have been sent packing. After dealing {P Jarome Iginla} to Pittsburgh earlier, the Flames now move their defensive stalwart and top minute man. The key asset in return is the conditional first rounder, who would be pushed to 2014 if the Blues don't make the playoffs this spring. In that case, the Blues would also send a fourth rounder in this deal. Berra has good upside but is still toiling in Europe, while Cundari is a puck-moving defenseman with modest upside.
Fantasy impact
Bouwmeester was having his best offensive season since leaving the Florida Panthers in 2009 but don't expect his numbers to stay the same in St. Louis. For one thing, Pietrangelo and {P Kevin Shattenkirk} are the team's main offensive threats from the back end (and they see top power-play minutes). Secondly, the Blues are a more defensive squad. Therefore, Bouwmeester's fantasy value may take a bit of a hit here. In terms of long-range upside, Berra may be worth watching if he comes over to North America and gets in line to win a job with Calgary.
