The St. Louis Blues bulked up the back line of their defense via the NHL trade deadline on Monday when they acquired veteran defenseman Nick Leddy from the Detroit Red Wings, as reported by ESPN's Kristen Shilton.

The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Nick Leddy and Luke Witkowski from the Detroit Red Wings on Monday in exchange for defenseman Jake Walman, center Oskar Sundqvist and a 2023 second-round draft pick.

Also included in the deal were Red Wings veteran Jake Witkowski, who accompanied Leddy to St. Louis. The Blues parted ways with defenseman Jake Walman, center Oskar Sundqvist and a 2023 second round pick in the NHL Entry Draft.

It's a smart trade acquisition for the 34-18 Blues, who possess one of the league's best offenses but also one of the worst defenses, as evidenced by the 170 goals they've allowed this season, which ranks 25th in the NHL.

Leddy and Witkowski are both past their primes, though they bring a much-needed veteran presence to the back line of St. Louis' defense.

Leddy has been a bit inconsistent this year, as he has posted just a minus-33 net rating while on the ice, though he comes equipped with a wealth of postseason experience, having played in 121 career playoff games while winning a Stanley Cup trophy with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Leddy will try to help the Blues win their second Stanley Cup in the last five years.