Bruins sign Backes to 5-year, $30M contract

The Boston Bruins have come to terms with David Backes on a five-year contract worth $30 million, the club announced.

Backes, who had served as the Blues' captain since 2011, will join the Bruins coming off his third straight 20-goal campaign.

The 32-year-old was originally drafted by the Blues in the second round in 2003. He'll exit the franchise ranked fifth all time in games played, sixth in goals, and sixth in points.

"We want to thank the Bruins organization for how welcoming and warm they've been in a short time I've been wearing the Bruins sweater," Backes said. "From my time playing against Boston, the history of the team, they're blue collar, hard nosed. That's how I felt I've built my game.

"Seems like an awesome fit hockey-wise. Family life seemed like a match made in heaven as well. I had to jump at it. I'm 32, not 52, plenty of legs left in me. I expect to still be at the top of my game.

"We won't take a backseat to anyone. It's Boston Bruins hockey."