New Blue – Brendan Bell

The Blues have added another 26-year-old defender to the mix by signing Brendan Bell today. Bell played with the Ottawa Senators last season and comes to the Blues on a deal where terms have yet to be released. This makes two defensive signings in two days for the Note, which was an area they needed to add depth to following an uncertain injury report with Eric Brewer.

Bell was drafted in the 2001 draft by Toronto in the 3rd round (65th overall). He had limited time with Toronto, skating in just one game in 2005-06 and 31 in 2006-07 (socring one goal and four assists).  During the 2006-07 season, he moved from Toronto to Phoenix, where he appeared in 14 more games. 2007-08 found Bell barely registering a minute for Phoenix, skating in two contests. Finally, last year, Ottawa claimed Bell where he skated in 53 games and put up a respectable six goals and 15 assists for a total of 21 points.

We all know the Blues were not finished with their defense prior to the signing of Bell. Eric Brewer’s health is a question mark, and the Blues needed some depth at the position. Zubov had been a previous name of interest, but following his move to Russia to play in the KHL, the Note needed another option. With Bell, the Blues found a defender that does know how to move the puck, and does have a decent amount of NHL experience.