Backes is turning 32. He offers more value to the Blues than any other franchise, given his leadership role and his snug fit in the team’s playing style. Here, he can be a top nine forward and have great value.

Elsewhere, he might need to produce at a first- or second-line point level to justify his value. Other franchises would covet his leadership, of course, but here he is The Voice in the dressing room.

He is essential to this group, especially when Ken Hitchcock’s hard coaching creates tension between the team and staff. Backes did his part to keep everybody not wearing No. 91 on board this season.

But what is that worth to the team? More than $4.75 million per season, that is for sure. The Backes camp doubtlessly will reference the six-year, $41.25 million extension that kicks in for his buddy Ryan Kesler in Anaheim.

If he demands those extra years — and if another team is willing to make that commitment in the marketplace — then the decision gets much tougher for Armstrong and Co.