After spending his entire NHL career in one city, now-former Blues captain David Backes is heading to the Boston Bruins after signing a five-year contract on the first day of free agency, but the city of St. Louis remains close to his heart.

Attending a St. Louis Cardinals game Friday, Backes told Jim Hayes of FOX Sports Midwest his decision was "extremely difficult," saying he leaves Missouri with his only regret being he didn't bring a Cup to St. Louis.

Backes remains in St. Louis for the wedding of former teammate Alex Pietrangelo on Saturday, and the 32-year-old revealed he asked Blues general manager Doug Armstrong if he could present the defenseman with his vacated captaincy as a present, before saying any player chosen would do a "heck of a job."

Later in the game, the fans at Busch Stadium showed their appreciation for the 10-year veteran, giving Backes a standing ovation:

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