David Backes was drafted in 2003, 62nd overall by the St. Louis Blues. Backes became their captain in 2011, but later in free agency signed with the Boston Bruins in 2016. Playing primarily center, Backes has filled in on the wing for the Bruins, with his gritty physical style of play matching that of the team. The 35-year old is aging, and is past his prime of being a 25+ goal scorer. Unfortunately since joining the Bruins, his lack of scoring has now gotten him sent down to their AHL team, and leaves fans wondering if this is the last time he will play in the NHL again. 

In 2016, Backes signed a five year, $30 million deal with the Bruins, which was pretty risky and now the Bruins must still pay him $6,000,000 of it until 2021, although the team buries $4,925,000 of that contract by sending him down to the AHL. 

 

Alternative captain, Patrice Bergeron, had this to say about Backes being sent down: “The impact that he’s had ever since he got here, on and off the ice, his leadership that he brought…he was a big part of the mentality that we’ve built here. We wish him all the best. We’re going to miss him.”

 

The 6-foot-3, 215 pound forward contributed one goal and two assists for three points in the 16 games he played for Boston this season. He has been made a healthy scratch for most of the season, as well as last seasons Stanley Cup Final against his former team. 

 

If this is the last time Backes plays for the Bruins or in the NHL; thank you for representing the city of Boston and the black and gold the best you could.

Until Next Time

∼RJ