The deal: The Arizona Coyotes send D Zbynek Michalek to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Maxim Letunov and either another prospect or a pick—details weren’t released immediately.
The money:
Michalek: Signed through 2014-15, with a cap hit of $4M
What the Coyotes are thinking: As easy as pie—Michalek is a free agent at season’s end, Arizona is in full-on tank mode and there’s simply no reason to hang on to an injured, veteran, free-agent-to-be defenceman if there’s a possibility of any return at all. Take the best offer and run.
What the Blues are thinking: It’s a little bit tougher to figure out from St. Louis’s perspective. Michalek can help as a depth blueliner, sure, but he’s currently battling a concussion—he told Sportsnet today he’s been exercising, but isn’t skating yet—so he’s not exactly immediate insurance for the also-injured Kevin Shattenkirk. But if Shattenkirk, who is expected to be out until April after abdominal surgery, can’t return for the playoffs, it’s certainly good to have a backup plan. Nobody ever regrets their depth in the middle of a long playoff run…
Who wins this deal right now: Honestly? Right now? Nobody. Michalek still needs to return from his injury and prove he can contribute before the Blues “win” anything. The assets the Coyotes acquired have to bloom before they gain an edge here.
Who wins this deal later: Well Michalek is only 32, so if he somehow sticks around in St. Louis he could conceivably be a valuable third-pair guy for a few years. Maxim Letunov, meanwhile, is the Blues’ second-rounder from 2014–he’s got a big body and plenty of offensive talent, but still has a long road to travel (he’s currently toiling in the USHL) before he’s contributing anything to an NHL club.
Overall: The ‘Yotes weren’t getting anything for Michalek in the off-season, and he was ready to bolt for a contender. A pick and a prospect, no matter what or who, will leave them better off. Unless Michalek returns to health and contributes down the stretch, St. Louis loses this one.