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(AP) --  St. Louis Blues forward David Backes has signed
a five-year contract extension.

 The 26-year-old Backes, who got the deal on Friday, could have
become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He's in
his fifth season, all with the Blues, and has two goals, four
assists and 32 penalty minutes in 14 games.

 Last season the 6-3, 225-pound forward had career highs with 31
assists and 266 hits. He tied for second on the team in assists and
with 48 points.

 Backes was the Blues' second-round pick in the 2003 Entry draft.

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