ST. LOUIS — Asked to name an area of the team he might like to upgrade, St. Louis Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong echoed the words probably being said by GMs in every other NHL city.
Defensive depth.
"I think our core of defense is very strong, but that's one area where if we could add another defenseman or two --organizationally (and) depth-wise --I think that would really be a benefit," Armstrong said Wednesday. "Not as much to come in and play into our (top) six right off the bat. But in these condensed seasons ... you play six games in nine nights to start the season, you're going to need bodies.
"A little bit of depth there would be helpful."
The Blues invited NHL veteran defenseman Colin White to camp on a pro tryout basis. White, who joined the team Tuesday in time for a scrimmage game, is 35 with 12 seasons under his belt.
He had one goal and three assists in 54 games with San Jose last season. A former teammate of Blues winger Jamie Langenbrunner with the New Jersey Devils, White was part of Devils' Stanley Cup titles in 2000 and 2003.
"I'm here just to work hard and do what I can do, learn the system," said White, who added he was given no assurance of a roster spot. "All's I know is my agent phoned me and I was flying here the next night. It's been a quick turnaround, but I'm excited to be here."
The Blues' top six defensemen are virtual locks with Alex Pietrangelo, Roman Polak, Barret Jackman, Kevin Shattenkirk, Kris Russell and Ian Cole.
Veterans Jeff Woywitka and Taylor Chorney were brought in to provide additional depth, but the Blues continue to explore all options.
Worth noting
Blues coach Ken Hitchcock has prodded his players to go harder throughout camp this week. There will be one more scrimmage game Thursday night at Scottrade Center and a handful of workouts remain before things get real Saturday night against the Detroit Red Wings.
"I was tired yesterday," Blues captain David Backes said Wednesday after practice. "Normally I can't sleep after games and I slept like a baby last night. It's not like a normal training camp where you get one or two games and you get four, five or six days off to get ready for the next one.
"Hopefully we'll hit the ground running Saturday."
* Blues forward prospect Anthony Peluso was claimed off waivers Wednesday by the Winnipeg Jets. The sixth-round draft pick in 2007 has five goals, 11 points and 58 penalty minutes in 36 games this season with the Peoria Rivermen.
Contact reporter Norm Sanders at nsanders@bnd.com or 239-2454.
