According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, David Backes has signed on with the Boston Bruins for five years. The free agent center will earn $6MM per season.
Backes, who has spent some time at center the last few seasons, may have to shift to the wing with Boston as the Bruins already have Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci under contract as their top two centers. It’s likely that Backes will slide into Loui Eriksson’s vacated spot after he signed with Vancouver earlier today.
Last season, Backes suited up in 79 games for the Blues, scoring 21 goals and adding 24 assists, while adding 83 PIMS. He also was a key part of their postseason run, tallying 14 points (7-7-14) in 20 playoff contests.
Backes, 32, has spent his entire ten year NHL career with the Blues up until now, playing in 727 games. He scored 206 goals and 254 assists while adding 969 penalty minutes for St. Louis.