We've talked in this space before about the Blues failure to add a mid-level scorer to the mix before training camp. But a more glaring need on the Blues roster is for a mid-level defenseman to take some of the workload off of stalwarts Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis. Jeff Finley did a nice job last season after the Blues rescued him from the New York Rangers AHL farm team. Finley resigned and will be back. Marc Bergevin suffered through an injury plagued 1998-99 season, but is still a quality defenseman and will help if he's healthy. Ricard Persson was overused down the stretch, but if he's used as a number 5 or 6 defenseman instead of a number 3 or 4, he will be a solid player. He also played injured in the playoffs, but still logged 20 minutes a game as coach Joel Quenneville showed little faith in Chris McAlpine and Jamie Rivers.

Where do the Blues go to find a number 3 or 4 defenseman? Well they had some interest in free agent Alexei Gusarov before he re-signed with the Avalanche. Forget Steve Duchesne, who was bought out by the Kings before being traded to Philadelphia. There is a reason he's still unemployed in early August despite his attempts to bulk up by employing a personal trainer.

Look for GM Larry Pleau to look from within to see if one of his prospects can fill the bill during training camp. The Blues are high on prospect Libor Prochazka, who they protected in the expansion draft because several teams showed interest. It might be a stretch to think he can fill a number 3 or 4 role, but you never know. Most likely Pleau
will make a trade for a veteran defenseman, or try to pluck one in the waiver draft before the season. Any acquisition would have to be able to move the puck well, as the Blues demand their defenseman to trigger the transition game. Remember, training camp is only a month away!!