Wild Acquire Leopold in Trade With Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have dealt veteran defenseman Jordan Leopold to the Minnesota Wild for defenseman Justin Falk and a fifth-round pick in the 2015 draft.

The 34-year-old Leopold, an unrestricted free agent this summer, is returning to him home state. He was acquired by the Blue Jackets on Nov. 15 from the St. Louis Blues for a fifth-round pick in 2016.

Leopold has played 13 years in the NHL for Calgary, Colorado, Florida, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, St. Louis and Columbus.

The 26-year-old Falk, who requested a trade, is a restricted free agent this summer. He was scoreless in 13 games with the Wild this season and has a goal and 16 assists in 142 NHL games. He was a fourth-round pick in the 2007 draft.