COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Blue Jackets traded veteran defenseman Jordan Leopold to the Minnesota Wild Monday, ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline, but thereby – as Shakespeare would say – hangs a tale
READ MORE: In The Columbus Dispatch
Leopold was dealt for defenseman Justin Falk and a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft, just one of 43 players who were involved in the two dozen deals.
But this one had a twist.
According to a report in the Columbus Dispatch, Leopold’s 11-year-old daughter, Jordyn, had written a letter in pencil to the Minnesota coaches, asking that “you lovly [sic] coaches” trade for her dad because he is “lonely.”
The Leopold, 34, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and is returning to his home state where his family has lived since November, since he was traded to the CBJ from St. Louis.
Leopold has played 13 years in the NHL for Calgary, Colorado, Florida, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, St. Louis and Columbus.
The 26-year-old Falk, who requested a trade, is a restricted free agent this summer and was scoreless in 13 games with the Wild this season and has a goal and 16 assists in 142 NHL games.