If you missed the news earlier Thursday, Boston provided an update on the situation with David Backes that left many people wondering what his next move would be. After clearing waivers over a week ago, the Bruins released a statement saying Backes would not be reporting to Providence in the AHL and the team was looking at potential options. Now, insider John Shannon has clarified the situation a bit more.
First of all, Shannon states the decision for Backes not to play in the AHL is a mutual one. He adds the Bruins will try to manufacture a trade before the February 24th deadline. The issue will be ensuring Backes stays in shape while not taking part in any AHL or NHL games. Shannon says he fully expects Backes to report to Providence if a trade cannot be found by the deadline.
It does make sense that both the team and player would do whatever they can in order to ensure Backes stays healthy. His style of play has led to a number of concussions over the years and neither side wants to risk that happening again before a deal is in place.
After this season, Backes has one more left on a contract paying him $6 million annually. It's not impossible to find a team willing to take on a bad contract. There are reports Anaheim is willing to do so. However, no team will do it without getting an asset or assets in return in the form of a good draft pick, a prospect, a roster-ready player or some combination of those. Boston will need to decide what it's willing to give up in order to rid itself of Backes' terrible contract and to keep Backes happy, if that is something that's on Boston's radar at all.
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