Alex Pietrangelo
Class of 2008 – 1st round (4th overall)
Drafted by the St. Louis Blues
NHL Translation: Offensive Defensemen
NHL Comparable: Andrei Markov
Zach Bogosian and Drew Doughty may have gone before Alex Pietrangelo in the 2008 Draft, but NHL teams draft based on their needs not their fantasy pools. Fantasy managers should take note than Pietrangelo was hailed the most offensive defenseman in the draft and is considered a complete package in a 6’3 frame. The Blues gave Pietrangelo an eight game preview to start the 2008-2009 NHL season before sending him back to Niagara of the OHL. Pietrangelo was given ice time in all situations including the power play where he would record his first NHL point by setting up Keith Tkachuk.
Alex Pietrangelo has the hands and feet of an offensive forward and is highly regarded for his slick puck handling and flashy moves. Pietrangelo is unique because unlike most lanky defensemen his speed and skating range allows him to be swift in his own zone, making tape-to-tape outlet passes while being smooth and nimble for a player of his size. Pietrangelo often catches opposing forwards off guard because his foot speed allows him the ability to keep up and anticipate moves.
Pietrangelo like most players his age will need to grow into his big frame. There is room for improvement between his physical play and defensive positioning. What makes him so special is the raw ability to be even better which may come out as the level of skill increases. Pietrangelo looks poised to become top offensive defensemen in the NHL for years to come.
The future looks bright in St. Louis with Erik Johnson, Pietrangelo will give the Blues a power play combo to strike fear in the hearts of goalies for many seasons. Pietrangelo is built to be a quarter back and his creatively and hockey IQ make the potential endless.
Alex Pietrangelo has the hands and feet of an offensive forward and is highly regarded for his slick puck handling and flashy moves. Pietrangelo is unique because unlike most lanky defensemen his speed and skating range allows him to be swift in his own zone, making tape-to-tape outlet passes while being smooth and nimble for a player of his size. Pietrangelo often catches opposing forwards off guard because his foot speed allows him the ability to keep up and anticipate moves.
Pietrangelo like most players his age will need to grow into his big frame. There is room for improvement between his physical play and defensive positioning. What makes him so special is the raw ability to be even better which may come out as the level of skill increases. Pietrangelo looks poised to become top offensive defensemen in the NHL for years to come.
The future looks bright in St. Louis with Erik Johnson, Pietrangelo will give the Blues a power play combo to strike fear in the hearts of goalies for many seasons. Pietrangelo is built to be a quarter back and his creatively and hockey IQ make the potential endless.
“Alex is every coach’s dream. He’s a joy to coach. He has a great work ethic on and off the ice. He’s not afraid to try new things. I believe he has the potential of being a Chris Pronger type of defenceman in the NHL. Alex is the complete package. He can score, make plays, check and hit.”
"His potential is sky-high. The sky's the limit. He's extremely talented with defense and instincts and he's got a great ability to make plays, see the ice, pass the puck .... it's all natural for that kid."
"He's a big guy that really moves well. He handles the puck well, he's got good puck skills, his first pass is excellent. The one thing you would knock on him is he's too casual at times. He's a big guy that could use his size more."
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