2. David Backes
Team: St. Louis Blues Age: 32 Status: UFA
2015-2016 stats: GP: 79 G: 21 A: 24 P: 45 +/-: 4 PIM: 83
Up front, Backes would be the ideal addition to the Avalanche lineup. He is big, mean, a leader, can play center or wing and is relentless on the forecheck. Avs general manager Joe Sakic wants the team to compete harder, to go down kicking and screaming. David Backes is a man that never quits, a man that is always willing to fight on.
At the end of the regular season, it was not out of the realm of possibility that the Avalanche could have a shot at Backes. His offensive production declined, as did his ice time. With other options at center, it looked possible that the Blues might move on from their captain.
Then the playoffs started.
Backes has been lights out for the Blues this postseason. With every game that their run extends, with every goal or big hit that Backes contributes, he is likely pricing himself out of the Avalanche’s plans. Would the Avalanche like to add a player like Backes? Sure. He just may be a little too costly to be a realistic option.
Estimated cost: $5.75-6.75 million per season.
