Not only did the Blues match the offer within a couple of hours -- they had seven days to equal the offer or take a second-round draft pick as compensation for losing Backes -- they didn't think much of the original trade offer.

"The offer was like a Volkswagen for a Porsche," said Blues president of hockey operations John Davidson, who wouldn't elaborate on trade details. "It didn't make any sense at all -- not even close to being sensible."

Davidson said the offer-sheet average was a "little more" than the club was willing to pay Backes, but worth the investment in a player who has been called a future leader with the Blues. He has been lauded for playing with an edge and going to the net with a purpose, so it's easy to understand the Canucks' interest.

After collecting 31 points... // The Province