Brendan Bell

Bell joins an unspectacular defensive unit in St. Louis with a shot at getting regular shifts. The status of Eric Brewer (back, knee) means Bell and a few others move up, but Bell has been re-assigned to Peoria of the AHL. In 53 games with the Senators last year, Bell had 21 points, which would have placed him second among St. Louis defenseman. For a team looking to get better in 5-on-5 situations, a defenseman like Bell, who can join the rush, could find a spot in St. Louis before long.

Bell, who has decent offensive skills, will likely spend most of this year playing for Ottawa's AHL affiliate in Binghamton. He could get called up in case of an injury to one of Ottawa's top-6 defensive as Bell currently sits 7th or 8th on Ottawa's defensive depth chart.

Acquired by the Coyotes in the trade that sent Yanic Perreault to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brendan Bell did not finish the year well while in a Coyotes sweater. Bell has had success in the AHL, but so far that success has not translated well to the NHL game. Bell is currently one of the weaker defensemen on the Coyotes blue line and will have to work very hard during training camp to improve on last year's numbers.

Had 43 points and 99 PIMs in 70 AHL games last season, and could be ready for a full-time role with the Leafs. He won't see many scoring chances behind McCabe and Kaberle, however.