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Trade Details
BLUES TAKE A CHANCE ON D MICHALEK Monday, March 2, 2015
The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Zbynek Michalek and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2015 from the Arizona Coyotes for forward Maxim Letunov.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues?
Michalek gives the Blues a right-handed defenseman to round out a very deep, talented blueline. The only issue here is his recent concussion problems, which may hinder his performance down the stretch. He'll likely play next to fellow veteran Jackman when everybody along the St. Louis blueline is healthy. If Michalek's concussion issues persist, they could get the conditional third rounder in this deal to help off-set the loss of a solid prospect like Letunov.
What does it give the Arizona Coyotes?
Letunov is a very nice addition to an Arizona rebuilding situation. He's a leading scorer in the USHL this season, and headed to the NCAA ranks next year. He's highly skilled, but largely a raw, long-range prospect. This looks like a steal for Arizona, but that's why they had to agree to conditionally trade a third rounder to the Blues if Michalek's concussion issues persist in St. Louis.
Fantasy Impact
Michalek's fantasy value remains the same...he's pretty much a defensive defenseman at this point in his career. Look for a lot of blocked shots from Michalek when he's playing for the Blues, but only if he's 100 per-cent healthy again. That's not a given. Letunov has plenty of long-range fantasy value and should be squarely on the keeper radar now.
Player Focus

to St. Louis Blues

to Arizona Coyotes
conditional third-round draft pick in 2015
Zbynek Michalek