Calgary, AB -- (Sports Network) - Calgary Flames general manager Darryl Sutter announced Friday the signing of the team's 2007 first-round pick, center Mikael Backlund. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 24th overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Backlund registered three goals and four assists at last year's World Junior Championships, helping the Swedish team earn a silver medal.

"Mikael is one of the best 18-year-old centers in the world and we are pleased that we have been able to retain him under contract," Sutter said. "He demonstrated at the World Junior Championships that he is in an elite class. I look forward to getting him here for development camp in July and main camp in the fall. Having him and John Negrin from last year's draft signed, bodes well for us."