The unlikely option: David Backes
A few years ago, there’s no chance you’d be saying this about David Backes. We’re talking the former captain of the St. Louis Blues and a player with two 30-goal seasons, as well as countless 20-goal campaigns.
Unfortunately, since his move to the Boston Bruins, he’s started to show his age. Now a 35 year-old, last season was his career-worst NHL campaign, managing just 7 goals and 13 assists despite the talent in the line-up around him.
Back in the day, you’re absolutely saying he’s a lock in your top-six. Nowadays, he’s barely even a lock in the line-up and could spend a reasonable amount of time this season as a healthy scratch.
That is of course provided he isn’t traded. The need for cap space is definitely there and his big contract certainly makes him a candidate to be moved out, provided it’s agreeable with him.
A modern-day NHL top-six needs pace on the wings and unfortunately for Backes, his rough-and-tumble power forward styling has fallen by the wayside. Whilst there will always be opponents that you may wish to slot him in against, the likelihood of a regular spot alongside Krejci and DeBrusk is incredibly low.
One final swan song may well be in order, but it’s going to be a fourth-line role and an expectation to continuing to be a leader in the locker-room.