Whether it’s this season, next season or further down the road, the St. Louis Blues President can already see Pietrangelo, who was selected fourth overall in the first round of the 2008 NHL entry draft last Friday, suiting up on the blueline with up-and-coming defenceman Erik Johnson.

“I can see him paired with Erik Johnson down the road as a key part of our defence,” Davidson said in an interview with Niagara this Week. “He’s another piece of our puzzle here.”

The Niagara IceDogs defenceman was ranked sixth by Central Scouting leading up to the draft at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The 6’4, 210 pound King City native said it was a surreal moment when his name called.

“It’s an amazing feeling to know you’ve reached that next stage in your career,” Pietrangelo said in a phone interview from St. Louis Monday, where he is participating in a development camp this week. “It really is a dream come true.”

It was quite the couple of days Pietrangelo, who wasn’t sure where he would end up Friday. He said he did know the Blues were interested, however, having flown down to the city a couple of times prior to the draft to meet with Blues staff.

“I had a feeling leading up to it, but you don’t really know until that night, though,” said Pietrangelo, who has amassed 20 goals and 85 assists for 105 points in 119 games with the OHL’s IceDogs.

For Davidson, he said Pietrangelo was his guy.

“Drafting fourth we knew which players would be available and he was certainly our choice,” said Davidson. “He fits our needs in St. Louis.”

Davidson said Pietrangelo’s size, strength and his ability to be mobile and move the puck, were among the many benefits he brings to the table. He said he is also mature and level headed despite all of the draft buzz.

Pietrangelo had a whirlwind weekend. After celebrating with about 50 family members and friends in Ottawa, he was whisked away to St. Louis to be part of the club’s development camp this week. While he is unable to participate in on-ice activities due to lingering effects of his battle with mono, which prematurely ended his 2007-2008 season, he is working with trainers and conditioners. He has also had an opportunity to meet veteran players and some of the other recent draftees looking to crack the Blues’ lineup.

“They certainly want me to come to camp in the fall in the best shape and compete for a spot,” said Pietrangelo.

He’s also set his goal to make the big club next season.

“Obviously the first goal is to make it next year,” he said. “I want to play here as soon as possible.”

Davidson says it isn’t fair to comment on his fate for next season, especially having to battle back from the mono.

“We just want to do what’s right for him,” Davidson said. “We’re going to get him working on a program to benefit him and get him prepared and as fit and strong as possible.”

Davidson said it’s a major jump from junior hockey or college programs to the NHL, especially when it comes to conditioning. He said the mono isn’t an issue at all and was never a factor when they looked at drafting Pietrangelo.

Pietrangelo said if he ends back up in Niagara next season, he won’t be disappointed.

“If I do end up going back to Niagara it will be a positive thing,” he said. “I’ll just keep working hard to make that next step.”

Davidson is certainly looking forward to that next step, whenever the time is right.

“We hope he is a very good player for the Blues for a long time to come,” Davidson said. “He’s one part of a group that makes us think we’re as good, if not better, than any team when it comes to young talent.”