Tracking Trades: Two Blueliners Find New Homes: Bouwmeester and Regehr Moving Along

In two separate deals, the lead up to Wednesday’s trade deadline got interesting with the announcement of two separate deals involving defensemen.

Mar 29, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Jay Bouwmeester (4) skates with the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Columbus Blue Jackets won 6-4. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

First off Jay Bouwmeester is now a member of the St. Louis Blues, dealt from the Calgary Flames for a first round pick and a pair of prospects.  Bouwmeester will add speed and size to the Blues defense corps and should finally play his first NHL playoff game in his 10 year career this spring, although it is not a given. St. Louis wasn’t really mentioned as a possible destination, and the deal sort of came out of left field.

The second trade was more expected deal, as Buffalo Sabres defenseman (and former Flame) Robyn Regehr waived his no-trade clause to move to the defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings.  Regehr replaces the defensive loss of Willie Mitchell, a key part of last season’s run and a player who will likely miss the playoffs this time around.

Calgary and Buffalo are the two teams that were expected to be big sellers, and both are not likely done dealing.  It will be a busy couple of days in those cities, as well as many others as needs pop up in the next two days.