The Blues upgraded their defense in a major way with the additions of Jordan Leopold and Jay Bouwmeester, which allowed them to deal veteran Wade Redden to Boston. The first-round pick sent to Calgary in the Bouwmeester deal will come this year if the Blues make the playoffs; if they miss, they’ll lose a fourth-round pick in 2013 and a first-round pick in 2014.
Incoming players and picks: Jordan Leopold, Jay Bouwmeester, conditional 2014 seventh-round pick, conditional 2015 fourth-round pick.
Outgoing players and picks: Matt D’Agostini, Mark Cundari, Reto Berra, Wade Redden, conditional 2013 first-round pick, 2013 second-round pick, 2013 fifth-round pick, conditional 2015 seventh-round pick.
The Blues defense will feature Bouwmeester and Leopold together for the first time. St. Louis snapped a three-game losing streak with that 4-1 win over the Wild on Monday. Â Brian Elliott will get the start in net against the Blackhawks. Elliott made 20 saves in relief of Jaroslav Halak on Monday. Halak injured his groin and will be out a while. Jake Allen was recalled after Halak’s injury.
This is the third of five meetings between the Central Division rivals. Chicago is 2-0 against St. Louis this season. Â Marian Hossa will return to the Blackhawks’ lineup Thursday against the Blues. Hossa has missed the past six games with an upper-body injury.