Jay Bouwmeester is getting ready for his first postseason game.

Bouwmeester, 29, has played in 762 career contests without participating in a playoff game. However, the St. Louis Blues have clinched a playoff berth. "I think they have a good team here, we have a team that's kind of built for that (playoff) kind of hockey," he said. "That's the focus now, it's not just getting in. We want to win. It's fun winning, we've had a pretty good stretch here. It's a young group of guys; I kind of feel a little old sometimes but it's been fun. I've enjoyed my time here -- and hopefully I have a long time here." Bouwmeester is signed through the 2013-14 campaign.

Jay Bouwmeester recorded his first goal with the Blues in a 2-1 shootout win versus Vancouver on Tuesday night.

He had three assists in his first two games with St. Louis, but had gone five straight matches without a point entering Tuesday's match-up. Still, Bouwnmeester has been a solid addition to the Blues' lineup since he was acquired from Calgary. David Perron and Alex Pietrangelo assisted on his marker, while Andy McDonald and Alexander Steen scored in the shootout to give St. Louis the win.

Jay Bouwmeester made his debut with the St. Louis Blues on Thursday.

Bouwmeester logged 25:06 minutes, which believe it or not was still second to Alex Pietrangelo. Bouwmeester also had two PIM and assisted on David Backes' goal. The Blues earned a 4-3 shootout win and have a fragile hold on the eighth seed. Bouwmeester has now played in 751 career NHL games without ever making the postseason, but his drought might finally be nearing its end.

Jay Bouwmeester will make his St. Louis debut Thursday night when the Blues take on Chicago.

He will be skate alongside Alex Pietrangelo on the team's top pairing. "I know what kind of player he is," Bouwmeester said of Pietrangelo. "He's a talented, big guy who can move the puck and skate. I'm really excited. He's right-handed. I haven't played the left side in a while. That's where I prefer to be. I just want to fit in and help out."

Jay Bouwmeester's playoff drought might finally be nearing its end.

Bouwmeester has played in 750 NHL games, but has never appeared in a postseason contest. The Flames sent him to the St. Louis Blues on Monday, who are battling for a playoff spot. St. Louis is tied with the ninth place Nashville Predators in points, but the Blues have played in three less games. Still, the Blues have a tough road ahead now that Jaroslav Halak is injured and likely to miss several weeks.

The Calgary Flames have traded Jay Bouwmeester to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Mark Cundari, Reta Berra, and a conditional draft pick.

If the Blues make the playoffs, then Calgary Flames will get their first rounder in 2013. If St. Louis doesn't play in the postseason, then the Flames will get their fourth round pick in 2013 and their first round pick in 2014. The Blues also acquired blueliner Jordan Leopold on Saturday. Although they were in ninth place going into Monday's games, clearly the Blues are willing to make significant sacrifices in the hope that they'll make the 2013 playoffs. After bolstering their defense over the last few days, they might surprise teams once they get there. From a fantasy perspective, this deal doesn't help Bouwmeester in any significant way. It might improve his plus/minus rating, but he won't get much power-play ice time behind Alex Pietrangelo and Kevin Shattenkirk. It's worth adding that Bouwmeester is signed through the 2013-14 campaign, so he's more than just a rental.

Veteran defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, subject of strong trade rumors, remains an assistant captain with the Calgary Flames for now.

And Bouwmeester shrugs off coach Bob Hartley's decision to keep the Flames captainless without the recently traded Jarome Iginla. "I don't think it matters," he explained. "Just because you don't have a captain, I mean there's lots of teams where you don't have one guy. It's a letter on a jersey. There's lots of guys in here who have played for a long time and know how to be a leader. Guys do it in different ways. (Jarome's) been here so long. You can't just replace him."

With Jarome Iginla gone, the trade rumors in Calgary are now focused on Jay Bouwmeester.

Bouwmeester is signed through the 2013-14 campaign, so there's less urgency to trade him. At the same time, they might want to avoid putting themselves in the position they did with Iginla: Where they refused to trade him through years of losing only to be forced to finally do so when his contract was expiring. It's worth noting that Bouwmeester, like Iginla, was given a no-movement clause, so ultimately he has a lot of control over what happens next. It's worth noting that Jay Bouwmeester has played in 749 regular season games, but has never participated in the postseason.

With six goals and 14 points after 27 games this season, veteran defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is attracting attention in NHL trade talks.

Rumors are circulating that the St. Louis Blues, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers and Ottawa Senators covet him. "I don't listen to the rumours or anything like that. I know it's out there and people talk about it, but no one really knows anything," said Bouwmeester, who has a no-trade clause and is signed for one more season before becoming an unrestricted free-agent.

Jay Bouwmeester potted a goal in the Calgary Flames' 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars Monday night.

Bouwmeester is finally showing Calgary fans why the Flames spent big money on him in 2009. With six goals and 14 points in 27 games this season, Bouwmeester is enjoying a very solid fantasy season. He should be owned in every league.