Henrik Sedin is packing his bags tonight to move from central Spain to northern Italy. For the second time in four days, the Madrid Royals have made a defense-oriented trade. (To be read in Gary Bettman’s voice) Madrid trades Henrik Sedin to Milan for Jordan Staal, prospect Chris Kreider, Milan’s second round pick next season and $250,000.

Sedin, who had 7 goals and 17 assists in 25 games for Madrid, will surely anchor the Guerriero’s top line and have Dustin Brown and Matt Moulson on his wings. The only current Milan player with more points than Sedin is Brown, who has 25 points in 26 games. Antoine Vermette will probably be bumped down to the third line with Brad Boyes and Viktor Stalberg. Milan will be hard-pressed to break up the second line of agitator/scorers in Steve Ott, Ryan Callahan and Mike Richards.

The trade will allow Madrid to get Joe Pavelski more quality ice time. Pavelski has been playing at super hero level this season and is in the top 10 in scoring. Or Staal could play on the top line with Gabriel Landeskog and Jeff Carter. The Royals have plenty of options. Staal is known for his defensive play but he averaged more than a point a  game in Milan, scoring 9 goals and 17 assists in 25 games, while maintaining a plus/minus rating of plus 11. He was also responsible with the puck and had a plus 13 turnover ratio.

Ironically, Kreider was drafted by Milan with a pick they obtained from Madrid in the Landeskog trade.