David Backes has decided to hang up his skates after a successful career during which he encountered several obstacles, including his departure from St. Louis and a few injuries at the end of his career. Backes spent no less than ten years in a Blues uniform, proudly wearing the captain's "C" for five campaigns.
Unfortunately, he did not complete his career with the team that drafted him 62nd in the 2003 draft as they opted not to retain his services following the 2015-16 campaign. As a result, he signed a five-year, $30 million pact with the Boston Bruins, where things didn't work out as planned.
After three years and 16 games, the Bruins sent him to the Anaheim Ducks, with whom he played only 21 games in two seasons. His career came to an abrupt end, but there's no denying that it (his career) was a great one. We're talking about 15 years and 965 games in which he collected a total of 561 points, including 248 goals.
Backes, as he himself pointed out, wasn't the most talented player, but he worked his butt off every time he put on his skates. He was very tough to play against, playing with a lot of grit and sometimes with an axe in his hands. In his own way, he certainly left his mark on the history of the Blues with his attitude. He brought a culture to this franchise.
In short, with his one-day contract, he will be able to retire as a member of the St. Louis Blues, a perfect capstone to this storied career. Congratulations, David... and happy retirement!
