from stltoday.com

03.03.2010 1:19 pm

D’Agostini Glad To Be A Blue

By Dan ONeill

DALLAS – Matt D’Agostini was laying in his hotel bed at midnight on Tuesday when his life change dramatically. The 23-year old winger answered his ringing phone and got the news he had been traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the St. Louis Blues.

There is a first time for everything, including a first time to be traded for the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” said D’Agostini, whose name is pronounced Day-guh-steenie. “I found out at midnight last night, and I didn’t know what to think for a bit. I talked about it with a couple of guys, got a couple of hours of sleep and got here.”

D’Agostini had to be at the airport at 4 a.m. on Wednesday to catch a 6 a.m. flight to Dallas. He joined his new team in time for the morning skate, wearing No. 36 on his helmet and skating on a line with B.J. Crombeen and Brad Winchester. The Blues have sent Derek Armstrong back to Peoria.

D’Agostini, acquired in exchange for Peoria forward Aaron Palushaj, played in 40 games this season with Montreal. He had four points, including two goals and two assists. He missed a month earlier in the season with sprained MCL. Last season, the 6-foot, 198-pound forward appeared in 53 games for the Canadiens collecting 12 goals and nine assists .

While the events of the past few hours are still sinking in, D’Agostini is excited to be with the Blues.

“It’s a great opportunity for me,” D’Agostini said. “It’s kind of a fresh start. I wasn’t having the season I have wanted to have in Montreal. I just want to get going here, get in some games, hopefully score some goals and help this team win.”