Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, a potential power-play quarterback.

The Blues made their pick after center Steven Stamkos went to Tampa Bay first overall, defenseman Drew Doughty went to Los Angeles second and defenseman Zach Bogosian went to Atlanta third.

Elsewhere the NHL, the Flames moved unhappy winger Alex Tanguay to Montreal and got winger Mike Cammalleri from LA, effectively moving down in the first round to accomplish all that.

Why the Kings would move one of their few proven scorers is a mystery, but that is their business. LA is in the midst of an eternal rebuilding program. That team had a zillion picks in this draft as it was.

Calgary got a Sutter-friendly winger and moved out a guy incapable of playing well for Mike Keenan. Well done, Flames GM Darryl Sutter.

The Coyotes beat out multiple suitors to land Panthers center Olli Jokinen, sending defensemen Nick Boynton and Keith Ballard and a second-round pick to make that happen. That is a nice get for Wayne Gretzky, who gains a “power center” to work with an impressive set of young forwards.

This is not good news for the rest of the hyper-competitive Western Conference. Phoenix looks primed to make a big move.

After the Blues acquired Chris Mason from Nashville, Ottawa put Ray Emery on waivers and prepared to buy out the remainder of his contract. Dan Cloutier also hit the waiver wire after the Blues — the team most desperate for goaltending help — made the move on Mason.