The Bruins are already without Patrice Bergeron and Torey Krug, and it sounds like one of their teammates is about to be out for a month. The team announced tonight that forward David Backes is set to miss “at least” three to four weeks as he recovers from diverticulitis (an infection in the digestive tract). The veteran has been undergoing treatment at MGH and he will be reevaluated in approximately two weeks.
The 33-year-old was set to be the team’s third line right wing alongside center Sean Kuraly and left wing Matt Beleskey. With Backes out of the lineup for the team’s season-opening matchup against the Predators, the Bruins replaced him with Frank Vatrano. The team could shuffle their lineup once again when Bergeron, who is expected to be back in the next few games, returns.
Following a decade with the Blues, Backes signed a five-year, $30MM deal with Boston prior to the 2016 season. After having compiled at least 50 points in five of his NHL campaigns, the veteran slightly struggled during his first year with the Bruins. In 74 games, he finished with 17 goals, 21 assists, and 39 penalty minutes. He also appeared in each of his team’s six playoff contests, collecting one goal and three assists.
If Backes can go 20-20 or get at least 45 points the next 2 years I can stomach this contract.