5 Biggest Priorities for Blues Heading into Free Agency

Apr 9, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Bryce Van Brabant (48) collides with Los Angeles Kings defenseman Andrew Campbell (81) during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

4. An Eighth Defensemen

Possibilities: Andrew Campbell, Nate Prosser, Bryan Rodney, Derek Smith

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Jeremy Rutherford wrote last week that the Blues want to add an experienced defenseman who’s willing to go down to their Chicago minor-league affiliate and be ready as an injury replacement, with GM Doug Armstrong saying, “With our minor-league team, we’d like to add a good defenseman to give us the depth necessary to overcome injuries.”

Bringing back Carlo Colaiacovo, who served in the eighth defenseman role at the NHL level last year, seems extremely unlikely. Instead, the Blues will look for a more flexible player who’s willing to prove himself throughout the year.