Blues, Pietrangelo agree to seven-year, $45.5 million deal

One day after the first practice of training camp, the Blues and Alex Pietrangelo agreed on a $45.5 million deal that will keep the 23-year-old defenseman in St. Louis for seven years.

The deal was announced on Friday and a news conference is scheduled for Sunday.

Pietrangelo, the fourth pick in the 2008 draft, tweeted: "Really excited to be a part of Blues organization for the next 7 years. Excited for the opportunity."

General manager Doug Armstrong said the signing signaled the Blues' desire for Pietrangelo to spend his entire career with the Blues.

"What I said to him, 'This isn't a seven-year deal, this is just another stepping stone,'" Armstrong said. "I think he's excited to be here, I know we're excited to have him, get him in here and turn him over to the coach."

With five goals and 19 assists last season, Pietrangelo led the team's defensemen with 24 points. He also averaged 25 minutes per game.