Blues trade D Kris Russell to Flames for fifth-round draft pick

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues signed surplus defenceman Kris Russell to a one-year contract Friday and then traded him to the Calgary Flames for a fifth-round draft pick next season.

The 26-year-old Russell played in 33 games last season but became expendable after the Blues added Jay Bouwmeester and Jordan Leopold. He had a goal and six assists with nine penalty minutes.

The Blues acquired Russell in November 2011 from Columbus, where he had played for coach Ken Hitchcock.