Coyotes Acquire Vandermeer From Calgary for Prust

[caps05]

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today that the Coyotes have acquired defenseman Jim Vandermeer from the Calgary Flames in exchange for right wing Brandon Prust.

“We are excited to add Jim Vandermeer to our lineup,” said Maloney. “He is a tough, experienced defenseman who will certainly help strengthen our defensive corps.”

Vandermeer, 29, appeared in 45 games with Calgary last season, recording 1-6-7 and 108 penalty minutes (PIM). He also played in six playoff games for the Flames. The 6-foot-1, 211-pound Vandermeer registered 3-14-17 and 110 PIM during the 2007-08 season while playing a total of 75 games with Chicago, Philadelphia and Calgary. After beginning the 2007-08 campaign with Chicago, where he collected 2-7-9 and 44 PIM in 26 games, he was traded to Philadelphia on Dec. 18, 2007. He recorded 1-5-6 and 27 PIM in 28 games for the Flyers before being dealt to Calgary on Feb. 20, 2008 where he registered two assists and 39 PIM in 21 games. He finished the season by appearing in seven playoff games for the Flames.

A native of Caroline, Alberta, Vandermeer has appeared in 312 career NHL games with Philadelphia, Chicago and Calgary. He began his NHL career with the Flyers in 2002-03, recording 2-1-3 in 24 games. The following season, he collected 5-12-17 in 46 games as he split the season between Philadelphia and Chicago. Vandermeer had a career year in 2005-06 for the Blackhawks, setting career-highs in goals (6), assists (18), points (24), PIM (116) and games played (76). He has also played in 21 career NHL playoff contests.

Vandermeer has played in 200 career American Hockey League (AHL) games, recording 9-37-46 and 494 PIM with Philadelphia and Norfolk. Prior to his professional career, he spent four seasons (1997-2001) with Red Deer of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In 241 games with Red Deer, he collected 41-93-134 and 714 PIM while serving as team captain during his final two seasons. In 2000-01, he helped lead Red Deer to both the WHL Championship and Memorial Cup Championship while being named the Canadian Major Junior Humanitarian Player of the Year and a WHL East First Team All-Star.

Prust, 25, recorded one assist and 29 PIM in 11 games with the Coyotes last season after being acquired from Calgary on March 4, 2009. He finished the season with 1-2-3 and 108 PIM in 36 total games with the Coyotes and Flames in 2008-09. In 46 career NHL games, Prust has registered 1-2-3 and 133 PIM.

[blackngold]

Brandon Prust is traded back to the Calgary Flames in exchange for Jim Vandermeer.

NHL Network

[blackngold]

I like this trade from Phoenix's standpoint. I'm a big fan of Vandermeer; a throwback defenseman who is 5x the fighter Prust is.

[caps05]

Beat you to it by a minute BNG, but I like the deal too.

I don't think Prust should ever have left the Flames in the first place.

[ShelleyFan45]

Good move for Calgary. Shed's some salary to try and sign JBO, and gets Prust back where he belongs.

[Purely_Purinton]

Poor Vandy.

[GIANTSFAN]

I like it because Prust is a more frequent fighter than Vandermeer. Also, maybe Rypien can sh*tkick Prust again.

[R.Middleton]

We get the tough 5-6 defenseman we need but this leaves Phoenix terribly, and I mean terribly soft on forwards.

[dumby]

Good move by the yotes, now Jovo isnt the cop back there If they dont resign Brian, they will bring in a heavy at forward.

[mike56]

very cool.

[forsberg21]

Good trade on both sides I'd say.

[fightingfan]

they both suck

[ScottRasner]

I absolutely love this trade, granted Prust is a more active fighter, Vandermeer is a pretty decent playing defensmen. This also not only gives us some decent toughness, but it gives us the chance to get rid of awful David Hale.

I dont think Vandermeer will be seeing a lot of time in the press box a he is good bottom pairing guy.

[NJDevils17]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

I absolutely love this trade, granted Prust is a more active fighter, Vandermeer is a pretty decent playing defensmen. This also not only gives us some decent toughness, but it gives us the chance to get rid of awful David Hale.

I dont think Vandermeer will be seeing a lot of time in the press box a he is good bottom pairing guy.

Haha, you have David Hale!

[flex_buff_chest]

Originally Posted by ScottRasner

I absolutely love this trade, granted Prust is a more active fighter, Vandermeer is a pretty decent playing defensmen. This also not only gives us some decent toughness, but it gives us the chance to get rid of awful David Hale.

I dont think Vandermeer will be seeing a lot of time in the press box a he is good bottom pairing guy.

I agree with this well articulated post.