B.J. Crombeen Traded to
Tampa Bay

It’s been a busy day for news involving the St. Louis Blues. After some trade speculation and Jamie Langenbrunner signing, news surfaced that the team has dealt B.J. Crombeen to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for the Lightning’s fourth round picks in 2013 and 2014. (team’s site). The Blues are also sending a fifth round pick to Tampa Bay.

We learned late last season that the Blues had more 3rd/4th line players than they had room for. Often we would see either B.J. Crombeen, Ryan Reaves or another player sitting in the press box. This plethora of options have allowed the Blues to deal Crombeen and a fifth round pick to Tampa Bay in exchange for two fourth round picks.

Crombeen skated in just 40 games for the Blues in 2011-12, scoring one goal and two assists. Unfortunately, Crombeen’s best asset was his grit. He could throw big checks and would drop the mitts but he isn’t a fighter like Ryan Reaves is a fighter. Reaves can tackle a heavyweight. Crombeen would try but just couldn’t stand toe to toe. It’s safe to assume Crombeen’s exit will allow Reaves to dress in more games.

As mentioned above the Blues had plenty of options on their lower lines. They have had plenty of grit for the past several seasons. Now it’s time to deal some of the grit away and (hopefully) land a new face that can provide more skill offensively.

Stay tuned. The Blues aren’t done yet.