ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues secured a former first-round pick Wednesday, re-signing defenseman Christian Backman to a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed.

Drafted 24th overall in 1998, Backman was limited to 52 games last season due to shoulder, foot and wrist injuries. The 26-year-old Swede still managed to set career highs of six goals and 48 penalty minutes while adding 12 assists in his second full NHL campaign.

Backman also led St. Louis with an average of 24 minutes, 48 seconds of ice time per game.

"We feel that signing Christian long term is an improvement for our hockey club, considering the quality minutes he logs each game," Blues president John Davidson said. "He is a key component to our organization now and for the future."

Backman, who helped Sweden win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Torino this past February, has collected 11 goals, 25 assists and 64 penalty minutes in 122 career games with the Blues.