The St. Louis Blues have officially named defenseman Alex Pietrangelo as their new captain, the team announced at a press conference on Thursday.
Pietrangelo, 26, has become a mainstay on the blue line since St. Louis drafted him fourth overall in 2008, notching seven goals and 30 assists through 73 games last season.
Signed through 2020, Pietrangelo has committed to the franchise long term.
Blues general manager Doug Armstrong told StLouisBlues.com, "Being a top draft pick and watching him grow into an elite player in our game, Alex is the perfect age to take the leadership role for this group."
Pietrangelo added, "When you look at the guys who wore the ‘C,’ those are some big shoes to fill. Not just good leaders, but good people that have represented themselves and their teammates in a great way. It’s my job now to carry on that tradition."
Pietrangelo assumes the captaincy from David Backes, who joined the Boston Bruins this summer after 10 years in St. Louis. Pietrangelo becomes the 21st captain in franchise history.
In addition to Pietrangelo, the team also announced that Alex Steen, Paul Stastny, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Kevin Shattenkirk will serve as alternate captains.
Copyright © 2016 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.