Moments ago, news broke that the St. Louis Blues have completed a trade with the New York Islanders. The Blues will be sending defenceman Robert Bortuzzo to New York in exchange for just a seventh round draft pick.
For Bortuzzo, a player that was lauded by many analysts as an excellent playoff caliber defenceman, this price could be considered a steal. However, Bortuzzo has serious flaws in his skating and puck moving abilities, and can also be prone to taking too many penalties with overly aggressive plays.
That said, that style of hockey will fit in well with the defensive-orientated team style of the New York Islanders. If they make the playoffs, Bortuzzo will be a punishing force in the eastern conference.
The Edmonton Oilers could've used an asset like Bortuzzo, but in reality, he wouldn't make much of a difference as a depth piece. If the Oilers are to acquire a defenceman, a higher end player will be needed to make a significant impact on the blueline.
