Ducks trade McDonald to Blues

Andy McDonald, a key member of the Anaheim Ducks' Stanley Cup championship team last season, was traded Friday to the St. Louis Blues for Doug Weight, Michal Birner and a seventh-round pick in next year's NHL entry draft.

McDonald, in the second year of a three-year, $10 million contract, had 27 goals and 51 assists in 82 games last season, and played in his first NHL All-Star game. He has 4 goals and 12 assists in 33 games this season.

The 30-year-old center played in 391 games with the Ducks after signing as a free agent before the 2000-01 season.

"Andy McDonald has been a great contributor for us over the last few seasons, and we thank him for the tremendous work ethic and character he brought to our club," Ducks general manager Brian Burke said in a news release. "At the same time, we are pleased to add one of the most dynamic passers in the NHL today in Doug Weight. His production and leadership during his NHL and international career speak for themselves."

The trade frees up cap space for the return of defenseman Scott Niedermayer, who announced last week he was returning to the Ducks after considering retirement. Anaheim would have been over the cap figure next season.

Weight, whose contract expires after this season, had 4 goals and 7 assists in 29 games for the Blues this season. The 36-year-old center is a four-time All-Star who helped the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup in 2006.

Birner had 2 goals and 5 assists in 18 games this season for Peoria, the Blues' American Hockey League affiliate.