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Coyotes obtain Klesla; send Upshall, Lepisto to Blue Jackets
By
Sports Network
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GLENDALE, Ariz. -- The Phoenix Coyotes acquired defenseman Rostislav Klesla and minor league forward Dane Byers from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Scottie Upshall and defenseman Sami Lepisto.
Klesla recorded three goals and 10 points in 45 games for Columbus this season. He hasn't played since January 22 because of a knee injury.
The 28-year-old Czech was the Blue Jackets' first-ever draft pick, fourth overall in 2000.
Byers has appeared in just six NHL games -- all with the New York Rangers.
Upshall, 27, was tied for the team lead with 16 goals and added 11 assists in 61 games for the Coyotes this season. Originally taken sixth overall by Nashville in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Upshall has compiled 80 goals and 85 assists in 340 career games with the Predators, Philadelphia and Phoenix.
Lepisto was in his second full season in the desert, scoring four goals and collecting seven assists. The 26-year-old Finn has five goals and 27 points in 131 career games with Washington and Phoenix.
