The Columbus Blue Jackets will have a veteran presence at training camp.
The Blue Jackets signed defenceman Brendan Smith to a professional tryout contract on Monday, the team announced.
Smith, 36, has played in 726 NHL games over 14 seasons with the Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings. He also has 59 games of Stanley Cup Playoffs experience.
"Brendan Smith is an experienced, physical blueliner that competes hard and is sound in the defensive zone,” said Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell in a statement. "He is a veteran presence with great character and professionalism, and we are excited to have the opportunity to bring him to camp.”
Smith played last season with the Stars and recorded one goal and five assists in 32 games.
The Toronto native was originally selected in the first round of the 2007 NHL Draft by the Red Wings.
