ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Blues President John Davidson announced today that the Vancouver Canucks have signed Group II free agent forward David Backes to an offer sheet worth $7.5 million over three years.  The Blues will have seven days to match the offer or receive Vancouver’s 2nd round draft choice in 2009.

“We will review the offer and base our decision on what is best for our organization,” said Davidson.

Backes’ offer includes a $1 million signing bonus along with $1.5 million in 2008-09, $2.5 million in 2009-10 and $2.5 million 2010-11.

The Blues will have no further comment until a decision is made.

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