Eric Brewer Traded To Tampa Bay

To Blues:

Brock Beukeboom 

3rd Round Draft Pick in 2011

To Tampa Bay:
Eric Brewer

TAMPA BAY ADDS BREWER

Review:
The Lightning get a defensemen in Eric Brewer that will immediately fill a big hole in their line-up. The, 31 year old Brewer, is enjoying a terrific season. He is regarded as a strong all-around defenseman that specializes in his own zone. He is a big man at 6'3 and is able to clear the front of the net well. His play in the offensive zone is solid as well as he has a big heavy shot from the point. But one of his most desirable assets for this young, Tampa Bay team is his great leadership abilities. Brewer, who has been the Blues Captain, is a terrific leader that will be a great benefit to this Lightning club. For the Blues, this is an interesting move and almost signifies that the team will be "selling" heading into the deadline. They gave up their captain in this deal for just "futures". The pieces returning to the Blues include Brock Beukeboom, an 18 year old defenseman that was drafted in the 3rd round in last year's draft, and a 3rd Round Pick in this year's draft. Beukeboom has had a rough season thus far as he has only put up 8 points through 44 games for the Greyhounds of the OHL. He also has run into some health problems as he has already been diagnosed with 2 concussions this year. 

Winner Short-Term: Lightning for sure, Tampa gets a strong all-around, big minute defenseman that will definitely help push this team to a playoff berth. His leadership will be a big component of the team's locker room.

Winner Long-Term: Depending on Beukeboom's health, I'd call this one EVEN as Tampa get a guy that can help their back-end for years to come, and the Blues, if he stays healthy, get a prospect in Beukeboom that is pretty promising and should have a career in front of him. Also the 3rd round pick is a valuable asset to have for a team trying to get a fresh start.