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Boston Bruins: Assessing the battle for fourth line spots

By jc

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Sean Kurlay #52 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New Jersey Devils at the TD Garden on October 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 13: Sean Kurlay #52 of the Boston Bruins skates against the New Jersey Devils at the TD Garden on October 13, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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david backes bruins
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 08: Max Pacioretty #67 of the Vegas Golden Knights and David Backes #42 of the Boston Bruins grab each other in the third period of their game at T-Mobile Arena on October 8, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bruins defeated the Golden Knights 4-3. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

David Backes

David Backes is another option Bruce Cassidy can consider for the fourth line.

It’s obvious that the Backes experience hasn’t been a successful one in Boston. He hasn’t really lived up to his $6 million cap hit. But, he’s signed for this season and next, so he remains in Boston’s plans.

Backes does bring a few things to the table. He has a ton of experience, so he can be a calming presence on the team. He’s also a great leader, so much so that he’s an assistant captain. Backes can have a positive influence on the younger players on this team.

At the same time, Backes brings a certain physicality and edge on the ice. He’ll hit anything that moves, and he’s one of the few guys on the roster who’ll drop the gloves.

Backes, however, has lost a step over the years. He never was the best skater, but now he struggles to keep up with his linemates. The game is faster than ever, and Backes doesn’t really fit in at times.

Still, Backes can be a viable option on the fourth line. He can fill a similar role that Noel Acciari had last season. Backes can’t play every game, but Cassidy can call his name when needed.

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