Even with the trade of first round overall pick Erik Johnson, earlier this season, the Blues still have a very talented and young defensive corps.
Led by 21 year old Alex Pietrangelo, 22 year old youngsters Kevin Shattenkirk and Ian Cole, and 24 year old Russian Nikita Nikiten, the defense looks to be bright in front of Blues goalie Jaroslav Halak.
And earlier this week, the Blues revealed plans to add to that young defensive core when they announced the signing of Cade Fairchild to a contract.
Fairchild is a 5 foot 11 inch, 190 pound defenseman out of Duluth, Minnesota. The left-handed shot is finishing up his 4th season at the University of Minnesota.
Fairchild, much like Pietrangelo and Shattenkirk, is an offensive minded defenseman, ranking in the top 4 in scoring at Minnesota.
This season for the Golden Gophers, Fairchild has netted 6 goals and contributed 18 helpers, good for 24 points on the season in 35 games.
The Blues have held Fairchild's rights since they drafted him in 2007.
If there is one negative its that Fairchild is scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery, but will be available for next season when he is expected to compete for a spot in the Blues 6 man defensive rotation.
If Fairchild were to make the club, Barret Jackman would be the only Blues defenseman over the age of 25, assuming the Blues would move Carlo Colaiacovo to make room for the Golden Gopher rookie.
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