David Backes
American forward, Blues captain, two-time Olympian.
Michael Miller · CC BY-SA 3.0
David Anthony Backes is an American former professional ice hockey forward who played fifteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, and Anaheim Ducks. He served as captain of the Blues and represented the United States internationally, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 1984-05-01
- Birth Place
- Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
- Height Ft
- 6
- Height In
- 3
- Weight Lb
- 215
- Position
- Centre/Right wing
- Shoots
- Right
- Played For
- St. Louis Blues / Boston Bruins / Anaheim Ducks
- Ntl Team
- USA
- Draft
- 62nd overall
- Draft Year
- 2003
- Draft Team
- St. Louis Blues
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Backes grew up in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, and played prep hockey at Spring Lake Park High School, where his number 5 was retired. After two seasons of junior hockey with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL, he was selected 62nd overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2003 NHL entry draft. He then played three seasons of college hockey at Minnesota State University, Mankato, earning All-America honors before turning professional with the Blues' AHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
Backes made his NHL debut on December 19, 2006, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording an assist 44 seconds into the game. He scored his first NHL goal two days later against the Los Angeles Kings. Over ten seasons with St. Louis, he became team captain in 2011 and led the Blues to the Western Conference Finals in 2016. He signed with the Boston Bruins as a free agent in 2016 and later played for the Anaheim Ducks.
Internationally, Backes represented the United States in two Olympics and three IIHF World Championships. He won a silver medal at the 2010 Games in Vancouver.
Reader's Guide
David Backes' career is defined by his tenure as captain of the St. Louis Blues and his role as a two-time Olympian for the United States. Drafted in the second round in 2003, he developed through the USHL and college hockey before becoming a reliable NHL forward. His leadership was recognized when he was named the 20th captain in Blues history in 2011, a role he held for five seasons. Backes helped guide the Blues to their first Western Conference Finals appearance since 2001 during the 2016 playoffs, contributing seven goals and seven assists. After leaving St. Louis, he signed a five-year contract with the Boston Bruins in 2016. His international career includes a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. Backes' legacy includes his durability, having played all 82 games in multiple seasons, and his recognition as a Bill Masterton Trophy nominee for perseverance and dedication to hockey.
Did You Know?
- Backes was a finalist for the 2002 Minnesota Mr. Hockey award.
- He scored his first NHL goal on a backhand shot past Dan Cloutier of the Los Angeles Kings.
- Backes signed a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension with the Blues in November 2010.
- He was suspended three games in March 2018 for interference against Frans Nielsen.
Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Backes?
David Backes is a Minnesota-born American forward who played fifteen NHL seasons, spending time with the St. Louis Blues, Boston Bruins, and Anaheim Ducks. He captained the Blues for many years and earned a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
What role did David Backes fill on the Anaheim Ducks?
Backes played as a forward for Anaheim, bringing veteran experience and a physical, two-way style to the roster. His background as a former captain and two-time Olympian made him a respected depth forward during his time with the Ducks.
How long did David Backes play for the Ducks?
The Ducks were his final NHL team, closing out a fifteen-season career that also included stints with St. Louis and Boston. His tenure in Anaheim marked the last chapter of his professional playing days.
What made David Backes stand out as a player?
Backes was known as a tough, reliable forward who led the Blues as captain and represented the United States at two Olympic Games. His silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Games remains a defining highlight of his international career.
Why do Ducks fans remember David Backes?
Backes brought veteran leadership and a hard-nosed playing style to the Ducks during the later part of his career. For Anaheim supporters, he was a dependable forward who had already proven himself as a team captain and Olympic medalist before arriving in California.
More in Anaheim Ducks Players 1-24
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