Wednesday Bluenotes: Adding Depth

Dave Eminian of the Peoria Star Journal reports the the St. Louis Blues have signed Dean Arsene to a one-year, AHL-NHL contract.

Arsense brings another winning pedigree to the organization. The 30 year old AHL veteran has two Calder Cups with the Hershey Bears under his belt. Described as a “heart and soul” player he also has the size to bring “blood and guts” as well. His 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame will be a welcome addition to the Peoria Blueline.

Blues GM Doug Armstrong was quoted as saying that there is one spot open on defense and Arsene will be in the mix. He will have to out shine front runners Ian Cole and Tyson Strachan at training camp for the 7th defenseman position. Reading between the lines it sounds like Alex Pietrangelo has a roster spot to lose.

The additions of Mink (a close friend of Arsene), Scatchard and Hensick point to the Blues trying to keep Peoria competitive. Core players like Stastny, Eller, Junland and potentially Strachan must be replaced. That is a given. They are being replaced by established veterans who have won and know how to win. Teams like the Capitals and Penguins have benefitted greatly from having winning AHL organizations. The Blues can benefit the much the same.

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Blues Q&A is still going this week on Twitter and Facebook.

Which contract season Forward will have the best 2010-11 season? Backes, Berglund, or Oshie?

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