St Louis Blues send top pick Alex Pietrangelo to junior team

ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis Blues returned promising rookie defenceman Alex Pietrangelo to his junior team.

The 18-year-old Pietrangelo was the fourth overall pick in the draft. He played eight games with St. Louis, recording an assist and an even plus-minus rating.

The Blues could use Pietrangelo in nine games before his season counted as a full year. Instead, he'll be with the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

Pietrangelo was seventh among OHL defencemen with 53 points last season, and played in the OHL All-Star Classic and the CHL Top Prospects game.

Forward Cam Paddock was recalled from Peoria, Ill., of the AHL. He has three goals and an assist along with six penalty minutes.