The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded defenseman Kris Russell to the St. Louis Blues in return for Nikita Nikitin, according the Blue Jackets’ official site.

“We are pleased to acquire Nikita. We see him as a defending defenseman with size who will fit in with our blueline,” Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson said.

Through seven games this season Nikitin has contributed no points and has a -5 plus/minus rating for the Blues. Last year in 41 games, the 25-year-old scored one goal and tallied eight assists for 9 points.

Russell, 24, has been a mainstay on the Blue Jackets’ blue line since 2007-08. In 12 games this season for Columbus he has scored two goals and tallied one assist for three points. Last year in 73 games Russell scored five goals and registered 18 assists for 23 points.

The Blue Jackets currently sit in fifth and last place in the Central Division of the Western Conference, and are 10 points behind the fourth place St. Louis Blues.