ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues have made a trade with the New York Islanders, acquiring a seventh-round draft pick in exchange for defenseman Robert Bortuzzo, as announced by Blues President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Doug Armstrong.

Bortuzzo, 34, joined the Blues on March 2, 2015, in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Thunder Bay, Ontario, native has been a part of the Blues organization for the past 10 seasons, playing in 424 regular-season games and accumulating 54 points (16 goals, 38 assists) along with 320 penalty minutes. In the postseason, he has contributed three points (two goals, one assist) and 42 penalty minutes in 47 games.

His long tenure with the Blues makes Bortuzzo one of only 16 players in the team's history to have spent at least 10 seasons with the organization.

The trade sees the Blues receiving a seventh-round draft pick from the Islanders. Details about the year of the draft and any conditions attached were not disclosed in the announcement.

This move by the Blues signifies a change in their defensive lineup, as Bortuzzo's departure creates an opportunity for new players to step up and contribute on the blue line. The team will rely on its depth and skill to continue their success moving forward.

The Islanders, on the other hand, have added a seasoned defenseman in Bortuzzo, bringing in a player with experience and physicality to bolster their defensive corps. The specific role Bortuzzo will play within the Islanders' lineup has yet to be revealed.

As the NHL offseason continues, teams are actively making moves to strengthen their rosters for the upcoming season. The trade between the Blues and Islanders demonstrates their proactive approach in finding the right pieces to enhance their respective teams.

Blues fans will bid farewell to Robert Bortuzzo, a player who has been a consistent presence in the St. Louis lineup for over a decade. While his departure may be bittersweet, Blues supporters can look forward to a new era on the team's blue line as they welcome upcoming talent or explore other potential trades to bolster their roster.

The St. Louis Blues will continue their preparations for the upcoming season and evaluate their options as they move forward with their new seventh-round draft pick acquired from the Islanders.