Blues sign Wideman

[Jason]

Former London Knight Dennis Wideman has signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. Wideman, who finished second in voting in the Ontario Hockey League as its top defenceman, was working out the last four days in Worchester, Mass., home of the IceCats, the Blues American Hockey League affiliate.

Wideman signed a two-way contract with a signing bonus.

He'll get a chance to crack the National Hockey League team's lineup but most likely will play with the AHL team.

"It's nice to get a deal done," Wideman said. "I've been down here for a couple of weeks with free agents and draft choices. I'll be back in August for power-skating training."

Wideman was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2002, but couldn't come to an agreement with them on a contract.

"There were a couple of other teams interested who were going to make offers -- Colorado, Carolina, Calgary came in, but they were late. This was just the best situation for me."

Wideman played last season as an over-age defenceman for the Knights.


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