Russel might be the worst d-man in the league.

Russell is a great shot-blocking, defensive defenceman who was a huge asset for the Oilers this year.

Not that it matters for this team since you traded him, but in order for the Blues to retain Yakapov's rights as a RFA, the Blues would have to present a QO and that would have be, at minimum, $2.5 million. Yak would undoubtedly accept that, therefore its highly unlikely that the Blues will qualify him, making him a UFA and unable to trade him...