Blues forward David Backes has signed a five-year contract extension, eliminating the distraction of becoming an unrestricted free agent after the season. The deal was worth $22.5 million total, a source told ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun. "As much as you'd like to say you're mentally strong and you can block it out, it's something that does weigh on you," Backes said Friday. "I think it's human nature that you're thinking about it now and then. "The Blues are making a big commitment to keep me here," he said.