Colorado Avalanche Acquire Defenseman Erik Johnson From St. Louis Blues

In a shocking trade, the Colorado Avalanche have acquired former first overall draft choice,, defenseman Erik Johnson from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Chris Stewart, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk, and a conditional second-round draft pick.

The Avalanche also receive forward Jay McClement and a conditional first-round draft pick in the deal.

As both clubs seasons have completely spiraled out of control, the respective management groups obviously felt a big shake-up was needed.

Considering many of the players involved were considered to be building blocks for each franchise, this trade will greatly effect the future of both clubs.

The Colorado Avalanche walk away with the 2006 No. 1 overall draft pick in Erik Johnson.

Though he has 91 points in 203 career games, many have felt the 22-year-old Johnson hasn't become the type of player the Blues were hoping for when they drafted him.

With one of the worst defensive units in the entire league, the Avalanche are obviously willing to bank on those chances, despite the great cost.

Chris Stewart, who had a break-out season with 28 goals last season, will give a thin St. Louis Blues forward corps an emerging power forward with great potential.

The Blues also gain a quality young defenseman in Kevin Shattenkirk, who has 26 points in 46 games as a rookie.