Russell to Blues

Early Friday morning the Columbus Blue Jackets traded defenseman Kris Russell to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Nikita Nikitin.

Russell has spent the last five seasons in Columbus. The 5-10, 174 pound defenseman had his best season last year when he collected 23 points in 73 games, along with 128 blocked shots.

For years the Blue Jackets used Russell’s speed through the neutral zone as a way to create odd-man rushes. His quick feet and skilled puck handling has played a key role in the ‘Jackets transition game. Russell’s small frame was not an asset with the gloves off, though he had no problem taking a few blows to stick up for a teammate.

His presence on the ice will certainly be missed in Columbus, though it will be welcomed with open arms in St. Louis.

“Kris brings dynamic speed and will add a new dimension to the left side of our defense,” said Blues GM Doug Armstrong.

On the other side of the swap, the Blue Jackets picked up a much larger defenseman in Nikita Nikitin. The Russia native stands at 6-3, 217 pounds.

Before moving to the NHL, Nikitin spent time in the Russia Elite League and the KHL where he had 61 points and 213 penalty minutes in 262 games. He also played in six games for Team Russia at the 2006 World Junior Championships.

Nikitin made his NHL debut last year with the Blues where he registered nine points in 41 games. This year, Nikitin is without a point in seven games and has a plus minus rating of -5.

This is the second roster move in less than a week for Blue Jackets’ GM Scott Howson. At least for now, it appears he’s 1 for 2. Soon, I believe Kris Russell will join the Blue Jackets’ list players they wish they could have back, alongside Jason Chimera, Manny Malhotra and Raffi Torres.

Hindsight is 20-20.