There is a lot of talk right now that the one of the top UFA's a year from now could very well be David Backes....I am not so sure, but what is interesting to me is how both coach Ken Hitchcock and Backes are playing in one year deals right now...and Backes has long been Hitch's front man to sell his system in St. Louis....something Hitch has always depended on in the past.
Many remember Hitchcock's run in Philly was going very well until he lost Keith Primeau to concussions...Primeau was Philly's Backes at the time...
Perhaps more than any coach I have covered, Ken Hitchcock depends heavily on certain leaders to sell the system to the rest of the team, especially to players who don't buy in. Many have speculated that Oshie and Hitchcock "being at odds" is why TJ is now a Capital...I think that is a bit overblown, and TJ represents the Blues being strong in the regular season and yet having issues in the playoffs...but TJ WAS very outspoken regarding the system...
For Backes to be effective other star players can't be against the system, because while Backes is tight with Hitch players always listen to each other deeply...
So Backes' future in St Louis is intrinsically tied to Hitchcock. If Hitch struggles in the regular season or isn't able to take the Blues to at least a Conference Final he won't return...and likely neither will Backes.