Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman says he had multiple conversations with Martin St. Louis about his desire to play for another team.
The reigning NHL scoring leader got his wish Wednesday.
Tampa Bay dealt its unhappy captain to the New York Rangers for their rugged captain, Ryan Callahan, just hours before the deadline.
Montreal made what seems to be a shrewd move. The Canadiens acquired high-scoring forward Thomas Vanek from the New York Islanders for a prospect, second-round pick and conditional fifth-round selection.
Detroit picked up centre David Legwand from the Nashville Predators and plans to plug him into its top line Thursday night at home against Colorado. The banged-up Red Wings are clinging onto hopes of earning a 23rd straight post-season appearance.