Hockey

The St. Louis Blues eased a crowded situation on their back line and added strength up front by trading defenseman Paul Cavallini to the Washington Capitals for center Kevin Mille.

Before the trade, the Blues had nine defensemen but only two proven centers. The Blues also expect defenseman Bret Hedican back in two weeks from a preseason knee injury.

It will be Cavallini’s second stint with the Capitals. Washington traded Cavallini to St. Louis in 1988 for Montreal’s second-round pick, Wade Bartley, whom the Blues had obtained. Bartley is no longer with the Capitals.