Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Dallas Stars Obtain Kris Russell

02/29/2016 at 1:33pm EST

added 1:36pm,

added 1:46pm,

Also changed the headlint to reflect the trade.

added 2:33pm, Dallas release is below...

FRISCO, Texas - Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Kris Russell from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, forward Brett Pollock and a conditional second round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft.

Russell, 28, has posted 15 points (4-11=15) in 51 games played this season. He currently is second in the NHL with 174 blocked shots on the season and he averages 1:50 of shorthanded ice per game, which is fourth-most on Calgary. In 2014-15, he posted career highs in assists and points (4-30=34) in 79 games played. His 283 blocked shots led the League, as he had 74 more than the next closest player.

The nine-year veteran has appeared in 562 career regular season games with Columbus, St. Louis and Calgary, registering 173 career points (38-135=173). He has also appeared in 24 career Stanley Cup Playoff games, accumulating 12 points (3-9=12) and 77 blocked shots. His 54 blocked shots last postseason were fourth in the NHL in just 11 games played.

"Kris is ultra-competitive and a solid two-way defensemen," said Nill. "He will bring a steadying presence to our blueline and we feel he will help us improve in several areas."

Internationally, Russell has represented Canada four times, twice at the World Championships (2010, 2012) and twice at the World Junior Championships (2006, 2007).

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound native of Caroline, Alberta was originally selected by Columbus in the third round (67th overall) of the 2005 NHL Draft.

Jokipakka, 24, has six points (2-4=6) in 40 games played for Dallas this season. In two seasons with the Stars, he has produced 16 points (2-14=16) in 91 career games.

The 6-foot-3, 215-pound native of Tampere, Finland was originally selected by Dallas in the seventh round (195th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Pollock, 19, leads Edmonton of the Western Hockey League (WHL) with 67 points (25-42=67) in 63 games played this season.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound native of Sherwood Park, Alberta was originally selected by Dallas in the second round (45th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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