That’s a spot no NHL veteran wants to find themselves in, but indeed, is one that David Backes now finds himself in. The Boston Bruins did their best to keep him in the NHL as long as they could, but simple facts ended up sending him down.
Fact is that he hasn’t met expectations that came with signing a five-year $30 million contract. While he was never a 100-point guy, the realistic expectation was that he’d be good for around 50 points and also bring some grit and toughness.
In all fairness, David Backes has delivered on the grit, toughness and leadership side, it’s just the points production has slowly dried up.