St. Louis, MO -- (Sports Network) - The St. Louis Blues signed defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, club president John Davidson announced Thursday. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pietrangelo was the fourth-overall pick in the 2008 draft.

"We are excited to have Alex signed as he will be a key component to our youth movement for years to come," said Davidson. "This signing continues our commitment to the long-term future of exciting young talent that we have and we expect Alex to be an integral part of our organization for many years."

The 18-year-old native of King City, Ontario finished last season seventh among all Ontario Hockey League defensemen in scoring with 13 goals and 40 assists while playing for the Niagara Ice Dogs.

"I am extremely excited to know that I am a member of the St. Louis organization," Pietrangelo said. "I am looking forward to getting to St. Louis to begin training camp and to start the season."

The Blues missed the playoffs for a third a straight season after posting a 33-36-13 record in 2007-08.