NHL Power Rankings: Top Western Conference Defensemen

Apr 18, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) controls the puck against the Minnesota Wild during the second period in game two of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

4. Alex Pietrangelo 

Pietrangelo is an indispensable defender who can do just about anything. He is the defensive anchor for St. Louis and gets the majority of his starts in the defensive zone, yet he still posts 50-point seasons regularly.

More from Editorials

• Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving
• Blackhawks: Changes to the coaching staff are a step in the right direction
• Chicago Blackhawks: Reasons for optimism and cause for concern
• Blackhawks: Kick off four game road trip against Kraken
• Recapping the Jeremy Colliton era with the Chicago Blackhawks

He only had 46 points last season, but his seven goals and 39 assists were still around his career averages. His possession numbers were concerning, taking a small dip during the 2014-15 season. His Corsi-for percentage was only 48.93 percent last season.

Numbers aside, Pietrangelo is only 25 and is an instrumental piece of the Blues’ puzzle. He is one of the top defensemen in the league, but had a down year by his standards. Expect him to bounce back with Shattenkirk around with teammate for the entire season.

Next: Who's No. 3?

More from Blackhawk Up

• Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving
• The perfect holiday gifts for the Chicago Blackhawks fan
• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Chicago Blackhawks Winning- Temper Those Expectations
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver