Feb 10, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek (4) checks St. Louis Blues right wing T.J. Oshie (74) during the second period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
4. Zbynek Michalek: Z had spent the last eight-season in Arizona but was shipped to St. Louis as part of the Coyotes’ rebuilding project this year. Michalek never put up great numbers but was a solid defenseman, with the best +/- numbers on the blue-line (-6). He is a stay-at-home defenseman, who could block shots with the best of them. He was injured more times than not due to standing in front of 90 mph slap-shots. The team would do well to find another experienced defenseman like him.
He sustained a concussion at about the time of the trade, and did recover enough to contribute to the Blues late season success. He scored two goals, with two assists in 15 games with his new team.
On March 9, 2015 Michalek played in his 70th NHL game. Not sure if St. Louis will re-sign him, but his talents are multiple, and I’m sure if he doesn’t stay with St. Louis some team will require his services.