St. Louis Blues sign right-winger David Backes to five-year contract extension
The St. Louis Blues are as well known for their core of talented young players than they are for their stellar goaltending. On Friday 12 November, the team ensured that one of their players
will remain with the team for at least another five years. TSN.ca reports that the team has announced the signing of right-winger David Backes to a five-year contract extension. The signing will reportedly have an annual hit of $4.5 million against the Blues’
salary cap.
“David could have been an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and we are excited that he has made the long term commitment to the Blues organization,” said Blues executive
vice president and general manager Doug Armstrong in a statement released by the team. “The way he handles himself on and off the ice represents what the Blues are all about.”
Backes, who was drafted 62nd overall by St. Louis at the 2003 National Hockey League Entry Draft, has spent the past five seasons with the team. Last season, he was a member of the United
States team that won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“I am ecstatic to have this deal signed and to be a Blue for many years to come,” Backes said in a statement. “My wife and I love this city, and these fans have been nothing but great
to us. This is a great organization to play for, from top to bottom, and we expect to be a top team in this league.”
In 170 career games with the Blues, Backes has tallied 73 goals and 89 assists for a total of 439 points. The Blues are currently first in the Central Division with a 9-2-3 record and
21 points. They are scheduled to play their next game against the Phoenix Coyotes on Saturday 13 November.
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