Bruins Backes Will Not Report To Providence But Won’t Be Suspended

Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney released a statement on Thursday morning regarding the situation with forward David Backes. Shortly after the club recalled Karson Kuhlman and Jeremy Lauzon, Sweeney addressed the Backes situation. Backes cleared waivers prior to the All-Star break on January 18th.

“After speaking with David, we have agreed that it is in the best interest of David and the Bruins for him not to play in Providence at this time,” Sweeney said in an official press release.

“David is fit and able to play, but in order to preserve all potential options for both David and the Bruins moving forward, we have decided this is the best course of action.”

Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy later confirmed that Backes had not been suspended but didn’t have much more to offer on the situation.

In 16 games this season with the Bruins, Backes has three points (1 g, 2 a) and a -2 rating. The veteran forward carries a $6,000,000 cap hit through the 2020-21 season. As part of his contract, Backes also has a modified no-trade clause. Backes signed the deal on July 1st, 2016.

In 944 career NHL games, Backes has 554 points (245 g, 309 a) and 969 penalty minutes. Backes joined the Bruins after ten seasons and 727 games with the St. Louis Blues. The former captain of the team, Backes scored 460 points (206 g, 254 a) with the team that drafted him.

Backes, according to Boston Hockey Now’s Jimmy Murphy, was on the trade block this past summer. The veteran forward has never been traded in his 14 season NHL career.

The Bruins return to action Friday night when they visit the Winnipeg Jets. The club will next play at TD Garden on Tuesday, February 4th, against the Vancouver Canucks.