The Blues selected Swedish defenseman David Rundblad with their first round pick on Saturday. (Getty Images) Video: Blues Select Rundblad Interviews: Rundblad | Davidson Photo Gallery: Rundblad's Draft Selection Why We Like Him: Davidson | Kekalainen More: Complete 2009 NHL Draft Coverage

MONTREAL – The St. Louis Blues today selected defenseman David Rundblad with the 17th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Rundblad, 18, a native of Lycksele, Sweden, competed in the Swedish Elite League for Skellefteå in 2008-09. As a 17 year old rookie he held his own on the blue line recording 10 assists (0-10-10) in 45 games. He spent 10 games with the junior team this season, showing his offensive side, contributing 15 points (8-7-15).

At the 2009 World Junior Championships, Rundblad helped Sweden win a silver medal, finishing with a plus-three rating and two points (1-1-2) in six games. He won gold at the 2007 Under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament, defeating Finland 3-2 in the final.

In 2007-08, as a member of the Skellefteå Junior team, Rundblad led all defensemen in points (26) and goals (11) in 35 games.

The 6-2, 189-pound defenseman was ranked 6th among all European skaters by NHL Central Scouting.