The St. Louis Blues decided to keep top prospect Alex Pietrangelo and Tyson Strachan on their NHL roster, according to Jeremy Rutherford. Defenseman Ian Cole and forward Nicholas Drazenovic were sent down to the AHL to make space for the two players.
Rutherford captured the reactions of both Pietrangelo and Strachan. First, Pietrangelo discusses the situation with Rutherford.
Here is Pietrangelo’s reaction to making the team: “It’s a relief. It’s exciting. It’ll probably hit me more on Saturday during the home opener, if I’m playing. But it’s exciting. I’ve enjoyed the process here ... it’s been a pretty good competition. We’ve been pushing each other pretty good, the guys that have been sticking around. It’s a relief, that’s probably the best way to put it. But at the same time it’s only a start right? There’s guys breathing down your neck, trying to get the same spot. You’ve just got to keep playing, keep pushing forward. They said the same thing I’m saying right now . . . it’s just a start and you’ve got to just keep pushing forward.”
On losing some of the pressure and advancing his game: “I’m feeling a lot more confident these past couple of days. I’ve got to go out there Thursday and Friday and have a good practice and Saturday is a big start to the season.”
Next, Rutherford catches up with Strachan.
Here is Strachan’s reaction to making the team: “They let me know that I’m starting the season and I made the top seven and I’ll be competing for playing time. It’s stressful to get the call when they say ‘Meet with Davis (Payne)” because over the last two years, I’ve had those meetings and afterwards I was making the three-hour drive (to Peoria). It’s hard to explain. I just worked really hard and I’m excited to have the opportunity.”