David Backes Contract Extension Talks

[JPonder94]

I was watching the coverage of the Florida-Toronto game last night on TSN, and Nick Kypreos brought up who the Leafs should go after next summer. He said David Backes is a possibly, because he wants too much money and the Blues won't be willing to give him what he wants. According to Kypreos, Backes wants a contract that would pay him $5M/year.

Personally, I think that is too much money for him. Don't get me wrong, the guy is a good hockey player, but I don't think he is a $5M guy. I would go about $4.2-4.4 but nothing above that. If Backes doesn't budge (and TSN is actually reporting facts), could a trade be a possibility? It has all the makings of a trade, but I don't know if the JD and Co. would do that to one of the fan favorites.

[kodos]

If he keeps playing like he has so far this year AND he wants 5 million then trade his ass.

He hasn't been noticeable at all. Everytime they say his name during the broadcast, I reply with "who"?

[DaDitka]

I would go about $4.2-4.4 but nothing above that.

I understand your point, and I too am disappointed in his play this year and question if he's worth 5 mill a year. But I'm not sure I'd let him walk over a difference that is equal to what you're spending on Cam a year.

Your problem here is "What will it cost you to replace him?". We're already a team looking for scoring and (at this point) you can not definitively say their is anyone in the system that can give you his 17 - 20 goals and gritty play.

Considering how little this team is currently spending, we could clearly afford to give him 5 a year and should if we're going to continue on our current path of not paying for proven free agents. If he walks and then Brewer comes off the books that would put the Blues about 4 million below the salary floor (NOT CEILING) heading into the offseason.

That said, hold off until ownership gets settled, then if you feel he's not worth it and you plan to better spend that money elsewhere, trade him at the deadline and move on in the offseason.

[thedoc]

The money has to be made up somewhere. If he comes around and I think he will he could be in the running for 5 million. What we have to remember is, there is an other possible work stoppage coming. We signed some guys to short deals ie. Carlo and Perron. So we will have to do those deals again soon. So we need to be watchful of our money until we get a new ownership group in place.

[drwoland]

If Backes wants 5 million, he should start playing when the season starts, not 15 games in. Currently on pace for 11 goals (I know that's bad statistics, but whatever) and looks like he's asleep on most plays.

4 MAX, or get the (Frank) out.

[theohall]

And shouldn't Tarasenko with the Blues next season? Has to be considered when talking about losing a forward.

[DaDitka]

And shouldn't Tarasenko with the Blues next season? Has to be considered when talking about losing a forward.

I'm not counting on any (will be) 19 year old that has never played in North America.

I think Backes will settle this discussion on his own. I'm sure they're low-balling him with something like 3 years 10 -12 mill, and if he want more he has the whole season to earn it.

[Darren Pang]

When I need an extension, I ask for advice from my friend Bob.

[cprice12]

Backes' production last season was sub-par and he's off to a sub-par start this year.

I have no problem with the team paying him $5 million a year if he steps up his production and nets 25+ and remains a physical force.

But if he only nets around 15 this year, then the organization really needs to think about how that $5 could best be spent elsewhere.

[DaDitka]

then the organization really needs to think about how that $5 could best be spent elsewhere.

That's my only reservation....will that spend the 5 mill elsewhere?

Currently, only three teams have a lower overall salary.

Even if we bumped Backes to 5 right now we'd only leapfrog one more team.

Coming off one of your better years of (recent) attendance, and jacking of the ticket prices mean your going to have to invest in the team at some point.

I understand the ownership situation and that we have to plan ahead to resign our young players, but at some point the excuses will run dry and the organization will have to pay the piper.

[SIU LAW]

In light of the Blues getting things done with Steen, Halak, Johnson, and Perron, at reasonable prices, I am not going to get too worried about this at the moment. I understand that Backes is going to be an UFA, and that makes the situation a little different...but still...too early in the season to worry about it for now.

If Backes' camp is leaking out that they are asking for five million, I think it is safe to say that number will come down. If you are wanting to get four million, of course you are not going to start with that number in negotiations.

[STLADOGG]

I think 4m it too much I'd say 2.5m or 3m
Also: Parise is making 5m a year...Backes is not a Parise.

[WaukeeBlues]

In light of the Blues getting things done with Steen, Halak, Johnson, and Perron, at reasonable prices, I am not going to get too worried about this at the moment. I understand that Backes is going to be an UFA, and that makes the situation a little different...but still...too early in the season to worry about it for now.

This.

Low-ball him for now. Worry about it for real in April/May/end of Blues' playoff run

[thedoc]

We low-ball him. If it wasn't for penalties in the last few games we wouldn't know if he was on the ice. He wants 5 million right now I wouldn't pay him 4. It's very simple "The fastest get paid and the fastest get laid".

[cprice12]

Nick Kypreos reported this? Kypreos? The same guy who dove on Fuhr's knee in the playoffs when we played Toronto back in...1996 I think?

Kypreos is a piece of shit.

I deem everything he says to be a lie.

[ohio BLUES]

Nick Kypreos reported this? Kypreos? The same guy who dove on Fuhr's knee in the playoffs when we played Toronto back in...1996 I think?

Kypreos is a piece of shit.

I deem everything he says to be a lie.

Pierre Lebrun reported it before Kypreos.

Of course, Kypreos is only on it because Maple Leafs fanboys have been splooging over Backes ever since Burke's truculence comments.

I remember ripping up all of Kypreos' hockey cards in 1996. Jackoff.

[purple_haze]

i dont think backes is worth more than 4 million atm.. if he wants to get more get the frank out of here and trade his ass for some good prospects.

[glen a richter]

but heez teh captain america!!!11!!11!!!

[goon attack]

atm..

ass to mouth?