St. Louis, MO (My Sportsbook) - The St. Louis Blues retained the services of forward David Backes when they matched an offer sheet the restricted free agent received from the Vancouver Canucks. The three-year deal includes a signing bonus of $1 million, plus salaries of $1.5 million in 2008-09 and $2.5 million over the ensuing two seasons. "Dave Checketts (Chairman and Principle Owner) was very supportive of this decision to sign David," said Blues president John Davidson. "David is a major part of our youth movement in St. Louis and we expect him to play a huge role as we move forward." Backes, just 24 years old, notched career highs with 13 goals, 18 assists and 31 points during the 2007-08 season. The Blues selected the Minneapolis native with 62nd overall pick of the 2003 draft. |
