Wed Jul 2 10:59:01 2008

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Blues match offer sheet for Backes

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St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - 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.