David Rundblad selected 17th overall by St. Louis in NHL Entry Draft

The St. Louis Blues selected PuckAgency client, defenseman David Rundblad, in the first round of the Entry Draft on Friday night. Rundblad, 18, played in the Swedish Elite League during the 2008-09 season. John Davidson, President of the Blues said, "We always talk about you can never have enough defense. We had David ranked in our top 10. That's high-end skill there." (USA Today)

Blues Select Rundblad at 2009 Draft
Swedish defenseman was selected in first round, 17th overall
St. Louis Blues
Jun 26, 2009, 9:32 PM EDT

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.