2008 NHL Draft: Alex Pietrangelo

Leading up to the 2008 draft, Flordiapanthers.com will be highlighting some of the top prospects to look out for. Could the Panthers draft one of these players with their pick in the second round or might they move up to grab one of these top players to further bolster their system and hope they contribute to the big club one day?

Each week day, we'll take a look at three prospects and get Panthers Director of Amateur Scouting Scott Luce's opinion on each of them.

2008 NHL Entry Draft Site

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    Alex Pietrangelo
    Rank: No. 6 (North American)
    Position: Defense
    Height/Weight: 6-3, 206
    D.O.B: Jan. 18, 1990

STATISTICS

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	PTS	PIM
2006-07	Niagara	OHL	59	7	45	52	45
2007-08	Niagara	OHL	60	13	40	53	94

 
THE SKINNY

Seventh-leading scorer among OHL defenseman with 53 points (13 goals). Participated in OHL All-Star Classic and CHL Top Prospects Game in 2008. Represented Canada at the Ivan Hlinka Under-18 hockey tourney in the Czech Republic in 2007. His dad’s second cousin is former NHL goalie Frank Pietrangelo.

WHAT CENTRAL SCOUTING SAYS

Very poised on the ice. A tall player, still growing, who brings keen ability to know when to pass out of the zone or carry the puck out. Unflustered in the face of a hard forecheck.

WHAT PANTHER SCOUT SCOTT LUCE SAYS

Rebounded from slow start. Complete package of size and skill.

FAVORITES
 
NHL Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL Player: Chris Pronger
Shootout move: “Fake backhand, forehand, top corner.”
Goal celebration: “Jump into the glass”
Practice Drill: Horseshoe
Video Game: NHL ‘08
Movie: Remember the Titans
TV Show: 60 Minutes
Actor:  Denzel Washington
Group: U2
Book: DaVinci Code
Website: facebook.com
Pump-up song: “City of Blinding Lights” by U2
Food to cook: Peanut butter sandwich
Activity away from the rink: Fishing and golfing
Toy growing up: Mini Sticks
Place to shop: Abercrombie
Place to visit: Northern Ontario