Blackhawks, Blues Make Minor League Trade

The St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks have made a minor move today, swapping a few AHL players.

Goaltender Joe Fallon heads to the St. Louis organization, where he will play with the AHL's Peoria Rivermen. In 29 games this season with the AHL's Rockford IceHogs, Fallon has a 15-10-1 record, a 2.64 GAA and a .912 save percentage.

In return, the Chicago organization receives goaltender Hannu Toivonen and defenseman Danny Richmond. Toivonen almost broke into the NHL back in 2006 with the Boston Bruins, but he was beat out for the starting job by eventual Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas.  After heading to Finland a year ago, he returned to North America this year. In 26 games with the Rivermen, Toivonen has a 2.73 GAA and a .906 save percentage.

Richmond, a former member of USA's junior national team, is a small defenseman with some power play ability. He's familiar with the Blackhawks organization, having played 29 games with their big club between 2006 and 2008. Both players acquired by Chicago will be sent to Rockford.

At our Blues site, St. Louis Game Time, their resident prospects expert had this to say about the move.

Blues trade Peoria's best goaltender -- yeah, that's what I said -- and penalty minute leader for a decent goalie.

I don't mind this move, but it leaves the Rivermen a little short on the blueline with the departure of Richmond. Is this a prelude to Ian Cole signing and reporting to Peoria after Notre Dame's season is over? Stay tuned...