LEDDY LEAVES DETROIT FOR ST. LOUIS
The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Nick Leddy and winger/defenseman Luke Witkowski from the Detroit Red Wings for forward Oskar Sundqvist, defenseman Jake Walman, and a second-round draft pick in 2023.
What does it give the St. Louis Blues
In Leddy, the Blues hope that they are acquiring the missing piece to their puzzle. He will likely play a top-four defenseman role, possibly next to Colton Parayko, and provide more offense from the back end. Witkowski provides muscle and versatility (he can play both wing and defense). However, he may not play at the NHL level down the stretch.
What does it give the Detroit Red Wings
Sundqvist was a key part of the Blues' Stanley Cup triumph in 2019, so it is a little surprising to see him move at the deadline. He is an excellent defensive forward, so he is a good addition to a Detroit team that is defensively challenged. Walman might be able to play regularly with the Red Wings, something he was not doing in St. Louis.
Fantasy impact
Leddy's fantasy value moves up after the move to St. Louis. That said, he will probably continue to play on the second power-play unit in St. Louis (Torrey Krug plays on the top pairing). Sundqvist does not need to be picked up because he is mostly a defensive forward. Walman might become a more prominent blueliner in Detroit but the jury is out on his long-range fantasy upside. Witkowski is a tough guy devoid of any fantasy value.
