Pietrangelo Good Fit for Blues

When the Hartford Whalers drafted Chris Pronger second overall in 1993, they had no idea what type of player that they would be getting on their roster.  The Blues are hoping that they drafted a player fifteen years later that might have the same upside as the All-Star defenseman.

Alex Pietrangelo, selected fourth overall in 2008, signed a deal to lock him in as Blues property for the next three seasons Thursday afternoon.  Pietrangelo will be skating in training camp with the rest of the Blues team starting September 19.  It is believed that Alex has a good shot at making the club to start the season, but the team may want him to mature in Peoria of the AHL before he plays on the big club.

“We are excited to have Alex signed as he will be a key component to our youth movement for years to come,” stated Blues President John Davidson. 

Since the lockout, it has been made apparent by Blues administration that the team wants to build from drafting and young players.  In 2005-06, Blues fans saw Jay McClement and Lee Stempniak lead the way for the Blues.  2006-07 was the year that David Backes was made a regular face on the Blues roster.  Last season Erik Johnson and David Perron were the big stories in St. Louis, while talks of Patrik Berglund and T.J. Oshie is all that weighs on the minds of Blues fans for the upcoming season.  But Pietrangelo can easily slide his way in and be a vital part of the Blues’ success in 2008-09. 

Hockeysfuture.com states that Pietrangelo possesses great hockey sense with a big body that can take on any offense.  Pietrangelo is not only known for his defensive prowess, but he is also known for his ability to move the puck and be a top power play quarterback.  This is something that St. Louis is accustomed to, seeing the likes of Pronger in the past.

“[Pronger]’s a big guy, he can skate and move the puck.  So I think that kind of relates to me.  I try to watch him, see what he does and try to apply it to my own game,” states the King City, Ontario native.

Pietrangelo would make a great compliment to second-year man Erik Johnson on the power play.  While head coach Andy Murray may be a little reluctant to put two players under the age of 21 on the blue-line together, it may not be a bad move.  Both players hone scorching shots and the ability to keep the puck in the offensive zone, along with a fast set of legs and the skill to not get caught in the attacking end.

It may improve the defensive side of the spectrum as well.  The Blues ranked twenty-first in the league last season with 232 goals against, equaling 2.83 goals against per game.  While that is not horrendous in a 30-team league, it is a number that could use some improving.  Take into effect that the team’s top defenseman Bryce Salvador was dealt at the trade deadline, and that is a position that is facing a tough road ahead.  A player like Pietrangelo could possibly step in and surprise oncoming offenses, and be a brick wall like he was in the OHL. 

While it is uncertain if this 18-year old will be introduced on October tenth at the home opener, one thing is for certain; Alex Pietrangelo has a bright future ahead of him.  Blues fans are hoping that he will see that future in a Bluenote and will be a mainstay for years to come.