Blues sign Backes to 5-year extention

ST. LOUIS (AP) -St. Louis Blues forward David Backes has signed a five-year contract extension, ending the possibility he could leave as an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The deal was announced Friday.

The 26-year-old Backes is in his fifth season, all with the Blues, and has two goals, four assists and 32 penalty minutes in 14 games.

Last season the 6-3, 225-pound forward had career highs with 31 assists and 266 hits. He tied for second on the team in assists and with 48 points.