The competition for the Blue Jackets' seventh defenseman spot has ranged from minor-league veterans to a promising prospect who looks barely old enough to hold down a paper route.

What the defensive derby has lacked, until yesterday, was the presence of an experienced NHL player. That changed with the signing of Martin Skoula to a tryout agreement.

Skoula, 29, is not the answer to management's sustained search for an established puck-moving defenseman. He was just released by the Florida Panthers, who decided to take a longer look at camp tryout Christian Backman, who played with the Jackets last season.

But Skoula has ample experience, a Stanley Cup ring and a couple of decent offensive seasons early in his career. Nobody among the hopefuls for the No. 7 defenseman slot comes close to that.

The prime candidates -- Grant Clitsome, Mathieu Roy, John Moore and David Liffiton -- have a combined 33 NHL games. Skoula has played 724 games, never fewer than 78 a season, for Colorado, Anaheim, Dallas and Minnesota.

"We had some interest in him in the summer," general manager Scott Howson said. "We just wanted to have a look at him here."

The lineup needs an infusion of offense and quality first passes from its defensemen. John Moore, 18, selected No. 21 overall in the June draft, has enjoyed an excellent camp. Blue Jackets management, however, is leery of exposing Moore to the rigors of regular-season hockey and damaging his confidence.

Clitsome probably has an edge over Roy and Liffiton, but hasn't secured a spot.

Skoula has a large frame (6 feet 3, 225 pounds) but doesn't play a physical game. He has just 27 points the past two seasons with the Wild, rarely seeing power-play time. He won a Cup in Colorado, registering 10 goals and 21 assists with the Avalanche in the 2001-02 season.

"I have proved I can (produce points) in the past," Skoula said. "I just didn't get the opportunity to do it because of Minnesota's defensive style. I have played the power play before, and I know how to do it. Obviously, here is a good opportunity for me."

Injury, illness update

Blue Jackets defenseman Mike Commodore and left winger Kristian Huselius missed their second straight practice because of the flu. Commodore also is nursing a sore groin.

Left winger R.J. Umberger (hip flexor) played in last night's exhibition game against Pittsburgh. Defensemen Rostislav Klesla, Fedor Tyutin and Marc Methot -- all who missed time because of hip flexors -- returned to practice. Forward Tom Sestito (concussion) and defenseman Nick Holden (mononucleosis) practiced in yellow noncontact jerseys.

Slap shots

Fox Sports Net will broadcast 50 games this season in high definition, including the opener Oct. 3 against Minnesota. Former Ohio State player Nate Guenin scored a second-period goal for the Penguins.

treed@dispatch.com