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St. Louis Blues’ David Backes Trade Rumors Persist

By Andrew Martin

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Feb 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) and Montreal Canadiens center Lars Eller (81) battle for the puck during the first period at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

This offseason has had a whole lot of everything, and a whole lot of nothing. The St. Louis Blues have crashed out of the playoffs in the first round more often than I would care to remember and many expected big changes in STL. Those changes never really came. Sure, club-favorite T.J. Oshie, was shipped to Washington, superstar Vladimir Tarasenko inked a big 8-year deal, and veteran Barrett Jackman signed with Nashville.

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The changes that many felt should be made never materialized. Head coach, Ken Hitchcock, signed a 1-year deal to remain as the boss of the Blues in 2015-2016. Even with lackluster displays when it counted in the playoffs from a team that torched the competition throughout the regular season, the coaching staff remained.

The front office was also kept unchanged as St. Louis Blues’ GM, Doug Armstrong retains his position. All of this could change with another poor playoff performance, but we are still a year away from that conversation.

Blues’ captain, David Backes, seems to be the subject of never-ending trade rumors this summer. Granted, he isn’t going to net you 50 goals a season, but he is the heartbeat of the team and wears the “C” on his sweater. He has a leadership level that is second to none on the youthful roster of the Blues.

Last month, Bleedin’ Blue reported on Backes’ trade rumors. Our friends at The Hockey Press are at it again reporting that Backes has garnered trade interest from the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, and the Philadelphia Flyers. Their latest rumor is as follows.

"I heard PHI expressed serious interest in the C. Not much information has been released but I have heard that the St. Louis Blues were interested in Brayden Schenn, and Radko Gudas. OTT has also expressed interest, and are willing to pay a hefty amount for David Backes to pack his bags and come to Ottawa. The Boston Bruins were also interested in David Backes, nothing imminent though. Although as a hockey fan I could see the Boston Bruins making a BIG push for Backes if he were to be shopped hard by the St. Louis Blues."

Before everyone dismisses this as nonsense, consider who the Blues would get in return. The Hockey Press reports that the St. Louis Blues would receive a David Krejci, a prospect, and a 1st-round draft choice. For a team that is considering moving Backes to the 3rd line, getting that great of a haul in return should be considered.

Personally, I don’t think it’s a good thing to lose a great deal of your veteran leadership in one offseason, as continuity has some importance. Backes will most likely be a Blue come opening day, but if other teams are desperate enough for no. 42, perhaps Armstrong and crew would be wise to listen.

Next: St. Louis Blues Rumors Surrounding Backes Heat Up:

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