David Backes NHL Career Overview
David Backes is a former NHL forward known for a durable two-way role and consistent point production over 16 seasons. He played primarily for the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins, accumulating over 1,000 games and finishing with career totals above 700 points and 1,500 penalty minutes. His leadership and physical style made him a regular top-six forward during his prime years NHL Player Page.
Backes was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft and became a core piece of their forward group during the 2010s. He later joined the Boston Bruins before finishing his career with the Anaheim Ducks and a brief stint in the AHL. His career trajectory reflects steady offensive growth, strong two-way deployment, and a reputation as a reliable playoff contributor ESPN Player Profile.
David Backes Contracts and Earnings
David Backes signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the St. Louis Blues in 2011, making him one of the team's highest-paid forwards at the time. The deal carried an annual average value of $4.5 million and included a no-trade clause in later years, reflecting his status as a core player Spotrac Contract Details.
After his time with the Blues, Backes signed a one-year contract with the Boston Bruins in 2016 and later agreed to terms with the Anaheim Ducks. His final NHL seasons saw a reduction in cap hit and usage, consistent with a veteran role player nearing the end of his career. His career earnings in the NHL are estimated in the tens of millions, supported by base salary, performance bonuses, and playoff bonuses CapFriendly Salary Data.
David Backes Current Role and Post-Playing Career
David Backes currently serves in a player development and community relations role within the NHL ecosystem, leveraging his experience as a veteran forward and captain. He remains involved with the St. Louis Blues alumni network and participates in youth hockey initiatives and charitable events tied to the franchise St. Louis Blues Community.
In recent years, Backes has focused on mentoring younger players and supporting NHL programs that address player wellness and career transitions after retirement. His post-playing work emphasizes leadership development, community outreach, and long-term involvement in hockey operations, aligning with his reputation as a professional and prepared teammate throughout his career Forbes NHL Post-Career Roles.