Ring or Rink?

Where does David Backes belong? Sometimes you wonder: Should he just take up fighting?

The answer is no.

He plays a key role for the St. Louis Blues and has the potential to be a top forward in the NHL. This player is a strong wing or center, has a unique hockey sense, and has size. Now why isn’t David playing for your team?

The reason is simple. In 2003, Backes was snatched up by St. Louis in the 2nd round, 62nd selection overall. He didn’t play with the team right away though. At the time when he was drafted, he was playing in the USHL for the Lincoln Stars. There he played 57 games in 2002-2003, scoring 28 goals and totaling 69 points. While he stacked up the points, his penalty minutes reached 126 that year.

He’s added his scoring touch and physicality to every team he’s played for. In college, he played for Minnesota State University, leading his team in points both in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. During those two seasons, his penalty minutes equaled 146. Backes served as captain for the 2005-2006 season, which means he knows how to be a leader on a team. He played here to finish his three seasons with them, before moving up to St. Louis’ minor league system.

In 2005, he started playing for the Peoria Rivermen, the St.Louis Blues’ minor league team. He transferred to them after his college season ended. During that time he played only a total of 12 games, tallying 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points. He began the 2006-2007 season with Peoria, playing 27 games before getting called up, and played a total of 31 games with them. There he scored 10 goals, to make 13 points that season.

That same year, Backes got the call every player waits for. He was called up to play for the St. Louis Blues. He played in his first NHL game on December 19th against the Pittsburgh Penguins. On his very first NHL shift, he recorded his first NHL point with an assist on teammate Doug Weight’s goal. Two days later came an even bigger memory for David. He scored his first NHL goal versus the Los Angeles Kings, beating goalie Dan Cloutier. That season, he recorded 10 goals.

In 2007-2008, playing in almost every game missing only 10, he scored 13 goals. Since then his career high in goals is in the making. Currently, he leads his team in penalty minutes with a total of 119 so far. His career high in goals is in the making. As of right now he has 15 goals through 44 games before entering Monday’s matinee game versus the red hot Bruins.

When running a search on this player, don’t be fooled when all you get is his fighting. There is much more behind this six foot three, 216 pound player. David Backes is the type of player you need on your team when you’re playing the New Jersey Devils. Most of his goals come top-shelf which is the way to go when playing goaltender Marty Brodeur.

If he continues with his focus and hard work he has the potential to become a feared opponent to face.