St. Louis Blues Sign Forward David Backes to 5 Year/$22.5 Million Dollar Contract

You can knock one thing off of John Davidson and Doug Armstrong’s to-do list for the year.  After weeks of telling the media they were close to signing an extension to Blues forward David Backes’ contract, they have finally inked the deal.

Backes’ contract is a five year deal that amounts to $22.5 million, a deal that averages out to a $4.5 million dollar cap hit to the Blues.  The deal also includes a no trade clause, which ensure that Backes will be wearing the Note until at least the end of the 2015-16 season.

The upcoming unrestricted free agent contract has been the subject of much speculation around the league, especially after the Vancouver Canucks gave the power forward an offer sheet during his restricted free agent contract three years ago. Many people assumed a leader like Backes would command a high salary on the open market. The theorized asking price for Backes unique services was around the $5 million range. By locking  Backes into a deal the Blues kept a fan favorite, and possibly saved themselves a little money in the long run.

“As much as you like to think you’re mentally strong and you can block it out, it does weigh on you,” Backes said about the contract. “It’s human nature. Obviously we had a commitment to stay here and the Blues are making a big commitment to keep me here. I think it’s a great day for both sides.”

“To have the great town and the people of St. Louis, and their support. I was drafted in St. Louis. Maybe I don’t know any better, but I know this group is trending in the right direction. We’ve got a lot of great young talent, and I want to be part of it.”

Many fans will be glad to keep Backes in St. Louis for the next 5 years. However, some might be wondering if we have overpaid for a forward who until last night had only scored one goal on the season?

Here is the reality to David Backes. He is a player notorious for slow starts, but even in his slow starts he constantly maintains hard work on and off the ice, and that is a valuable chip to any organization. He is just the type of player you want when you are trying to make your run into the playoffs.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments!