Stanley Cup Winning Defensemen involved in a major trade that involves the Chicago Blackhawks
In a notable trade today, the New York Islanders have made a move to strengthen their defense by bringing in defenseman Stanley Cup Winning defensemen Robert Bortuzzo from the St. Louis Blues.
This decision comes after the Islanders placed defenseman Ryan Pulock on injured reserve, creating a gap on the right side of their defensive lineup. Pulock's absence posed a challenge, especially with upcoming matchups against strong Stanley Cup contenders. The Islanders were looking at relying on Grant Hutton, a capable but less experienced defenseman with just 18 NHL games under his belt.
Pulock, known for handling tough matchups against opponents' top forwards and playing a crucial role in the team's penalty kill, left a void that required a reliable veteran presence.
Bortuzzo, a Stanley Cup champion with over 500 NHL games, spent a decade with the Blues. While not known for offensive contributions or puck-moving skills, Bortuzzo brings above-average size at six-foot-four, 216 pounds, and a physical playing style, amassing over 1,000 career hits and 491 penalty minutes.
For the Chicago Blackhawks, set to face the St. Louis Blues this Saturday, can breathe a breath of fresh air as they won't have to worry about the 6-foot-4, 220LB heavy-hitting defensemen.
The trade is a strategic move for the Islanders to address immediate needs and fortify their defensive corps for the challenges ahead.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Robert Bortuzzo is a top 5-hitting defensemen in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 27 | 48.2 % |
| No | 29 | 51.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
