Blues strengthen defence corps, acquire Zbynek Michalek from Coyotes

ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Blues strengthened their blue-line for another playoff run by acquiring Zbynek Michalek from the Arizona Coyotes.

The Blues sent prospect Maxim Letunov to Arizona in exchange for Michalek and a conditional third-round pick.

Michalek, 32, has blocked 130 shots and put up two goals and six assists in 53 games this season.

He is out with an upper-body injury but has said he’s feeling better and could be back soon for St. Louis.

Michalek is a pending unrestricted free agent.

“We would like to thank Zbynek for all his contributions to the Coyotes over the years,” Arizon general manager Don Maloney said in a statement. “‘Z’ is a fierce competitor and a great person and we wish him all the best in the future.”

Letunov is a 19-year-old playing in the USHL who was the Blues’ second-round pick in last year’s draft.

“Maxim is a big, skilled center with excellent upside,” Maloney said in a statement. “He will play at Boston University next season who do a great job developing players. We are excited to have him join our organization.”