After an up and down couple weeks St. Louis Blues GM Tyler Procyk was becoming restless with his teams effort. Known to not be afraid to make mid-season deals Tyler shot big and landed some important pieces that have found success in Blue.

William Karlsson has been lighting it up this season in Long Island with the Islanders scoring at an impressive rate with 39 points in his 30 games leading up to the trade. Procyk was looking for a forward with skill on both ends and Karlsson fit the bill, the trade ended up moving youngster Kevin Fiala and a handful of picks for the centremen. 

Since his arrival in St. Louis Karlsson has continued his impressive year scoring seven points in seven games, including a two-goal game in his most recent contest. The Blues are still feeling the aftermath of the CMHL championship loss to the Red Wings. Feeling vengeful and ready to make another run the move felt necessary to keep up with the rest of the West.

"Honestly we have so much talent in our division I thought bringing [Karlsson] in would give the boys a spark," Procyk continued, "[Karlsson's] done incredible things over in New York and I thought it was the right move to get us prepared for anothe push."

Having to work around the newly ignited Avalanche is not something the Blues were expecting, but a challenge is always welcomed. With Dallas always on their heels it was time to upgrade in the goaltending department as well as the goalies in St. Louis haven't been able to keep things calm this year allowing the 13th most goals against this season. 

Departing with Tuukka Rask was no easy thing as he helped in the Blues pursuit of a cup last season in a big way.

"It's never easy to say goodbye to a guy that's done so much for your club, but it was a move we thought would benefit both Rask and our team," said Procyk.

The legendary goaltender was moved this past week for Devils goalie Semyon Varlamov, who was also looking for a change after a rough start to the year with an .888 SV% and a 3.32 GAA in 22 games.

Varlamov's first start with his new club is likely to come against the San Jose Sharks this week on the second half of a back-to-back, a role the Blues generally used Rask in. Varlamov will have to earn his spot on the team as youngster Ville Husso is barking at the door looking to make his debut with the big club in the near future.

Stay tuned, as the Blues have also been said to be shopping long-time defencemen Ryan Suter.

St. Louis Blues News.

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