Backes Contract Talks on Hold

Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Reports that contract talks between David Backes and the St. Louis Blues have slowed down drastically. He reportedly turned down a 3 year 26.5-million-dollar contract during training camp. That does not mean that he will not be signed, though it may not come any time soon.  Backes has a full no trade clause which would make him difficult to move unless he wanted out of St. Louis. To be honest I don’t think it would be a very good move on the behalf of Blues to move him right now. He is a quality shut down center who can put up points in a very difficult division. However, if it comes down to it and he wants out there will be many suitors for the pending UFA.

Other trade talk around the league:

In Winnipeg recent rumblings have the Jets leaning more towards keeping Dustin Byfuglien over captain Andrew Ladd. However, it is not impossible that both would be moved at the deadline if the team keeps the downward trend going. If this does happen the team will be in an official rebuild, and I think that may be the best course of action.

Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times has reported that the Tampa Bay Lighting have offered Steven Stamkos an 8 year 68 Million Dollar contract. Neither side has given this report any credibility however I do believe that this could be a starting number where the contracts would begin. It is very rare you see stars of this caliber move while still in their prime.  So look for him to be signed eventually, but these recent contract talk leaks are very interesting and somewhat puzzling.  This has been a very hush contract signing, and why would it change now.  The source that first reported this was Elliotte Freidman of SportsNet, and you cannot get any more credible source.

INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS

* Photo by USAToday Sports Images