Player Discussion David Backes III

[Jean_Jacket41]

The one question I get asked the most about Backes: What exactly does he bring to the team?

Well, ask the St Louis Blues who lacked that one guy, a leader that they can turn to and lead the way in exactly the type of situation they were in.

If you ask anyone in the Blues organization what exactly was missing this season, that's the answer you'll get.

I remember some comments when Sweeney signed him:

-Why are they spending/wasting 6M on this guy?
-This is a rebuilding team. Why did they signed a 30+ guy to that contract?
-Loui was better. Should have kept him instead.

Well, who is laughing now?

Sweeney knew exactly what he was doing. His plan was to integrate many great ELC in the lineup. Backes is a perfect vet to help the core to surround them.

He was one of the best players last year in the playoffs. He’s a warrior and playing him on the 3rd line gives the team a lineup advantage against other teams.

To date, this signing gets high marks.

 

[Estlin]

The one question I get asked the most about Backes: What exactly does he bring to the team?

Well, ask the St Louis Blues who lacked that one guy, a leader that they can turn to and lead the way in exactly the type of situation they were in.

If you ask anyone in the Blues organization what exactly was missing this season, that's the answer you'll get.

But, you can equally argue this: what about all those years when Backes was on the Blues, and St. Louis never went anywhere in the playoffs, despite having one of the best teams in the NHL? Where was Backes's leadership then?

 

[Krupp]

With ALL of the ridiculousness of this season - all of the injuries, all that BS with that absurd suspension...

I don't know how anyone can criticise his game this year. He didn't get enough time to find a groove anywhere. He has to put up with a lot of hardships to get back into things, and frankly, to me, 32 poitns for an older guy after all that is still not terrible.

But I've always said his leadership and intangibles are essential. You think those kids out there aren't happy when Backes is on the bench? I'm willing to be they are.

You can't question this guy's fortitude. I'd rather have him for 6 million every year over a guy like rick Nash, easy as that.

 

[DominicT]

But, you can equally argue this: what about all those years when Backes was on the Blues, and St. Louis never went anywhere in the playoffs, despite having one of the best teams in the NHL? Where was Backes's leadership then?

Easy. One player is only part of the equation. And on the Bruins, Backes fits in perfectly.

Like I said, ask anyone around the Blues what was missing, and Backes' name comes up specifically because of his ability to lead in the exact situation they were in.

What those Blues teams' of the past lacked wasn't a Backes leadership role but the Chara, Bergeron types to go along with him.

 

[ODAAT]

Easy. One player is only part of the equation. And on the Bruins, Backes fits in perfectly.

Like I said, ask anyone around the Blues what was missing, and Backes' name comes up specifically because of his ability to lead in the exact situation they were in.

What those Blues teams' of the past lacked wasn't a Backes leadership role but the Chara, Bergeron types to go along with him.

so if I understand what your saying Dom (and you know me, I understand little), Backes was kind of a guy who was left out on an island in St Louis as the other vets they did/do have weren`t the kind that had it within them to step up in the room along with Backes?

I watched the last playoff series he played with the Blues (can`t recall who they were playing) and Backes looked like the only guy who gave a rats arse, I was actually impressed with his game.

His signing maybe along the lines of thinking the B`s had when they traded for Chris Kelly? Not looking for THE leader but more another vet to yes fill a spot they felt needed to be filled on the roster but also to be in the dressing room beside the Bergy`s/Z`s etc...?

 

[DominicT]

so if I understand what your saying Dom (and you know me, I understand little), Backes was kind of a guy who was left out on an island in St Louis as the other vets they did/do have weren`t the kind that had it within them to step up in the room along with Backes?

I watched the last playoff series he played with the Blues (can`t recall who they were playing) and Backes looked like the only guy who gave a rats arse, I was actually impressed with his game.

His signing maybe along the lines of thinking the B`s had when they traded for Chris Kelly? Not looking for THE leader but more another vet to yes fill a spot they felt needed to be filled on the roster but also to be in the dressing room beside the Bergy`s/Z`s etc...?

I believe Doug Armstrong called this team "independent contractors."

Losing Backes and Brouwer (although they never won the cup) has left a leadership void in St Louis.

 

[RedeyeRocketeer]

Dumb question perhaps and I just posted this in the line combo thread, but how do you keep one of Rick Nash or David Backes off line 4, of the other Nash comes back soon? I know he's not skating yet, but I'd think he'd be back by mid-series. I literally can't produce a lineup where one of them isn't on line 4. Can you?

 

[ODAAT]

I believe Doug Armstrong called this team "independent contractors."

Losing Backes and Brouwer (although they never won the cup) has left a leadership void in St Louis.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that comment, tells alot about the makeup on that team at that time. Thx Dom

 

[ODAAT]

Dumb question perhaps and I just posted this in the line combo thread, but how do you keep one of Rick Nash or David Backes off line 4, of the other Nash comes back soon? I know he's not skating yet, but I'd think he'd be back by mid-series. I literally can't produce a lineup where one of them isn't on line 4. Can you?

I don`t like this question or game, I`m taking my ball and going home, haha

 

[Fire Sweeney]

Dumb question perhaps and I just posted this in the line combo thread, but how do you keep one of Rick Nash or David Backes off line 4, of the other Nash comes back soon? I know he's not skating yet, but I'd think he'd be back by mid-series. I literally can't produce a lineup where one of them isn't on line 4. Can you?

There's plenty of space left in the press box.

 

[BNHL]

Easy. One player is only part of the equation. And on the Bruins, Backes fits in perfectly.

Like I said, ask anyone around the Blues what was missing, and Backes' name comes up specifically because of his ability to lead in the exact situation they were in.

What those Blues teams' of the past lacked wasn't a Backes leadership role but the Chara, Bergeron types to go along with him.

Essentially they lacked good players.

 

[BNHL]

I remember some comments when Sweeney signed him:

-Why are they spending/wasting 6M on this guy?
-This is a rebuilding team. Why did they signed a 30+ guy to that contract?
-Loui was better. Should have kept him instead.

Well, who is laughing now?

Sweeney knew exactly what he was doing. His plan was to integrate many great ELC in the lineup. Backes is a perfect vet to help the core to surround them.

He was one of the best players last year in the playoffs. He’s a warrior and playing him on the 3rd line gives the team a lineup advantage against other teams.

To date, this signing gets high marks.

Too much hyperbole in one post.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

But, you can equally argue this: what about all those years when Backes was on the Blues, and St. Louis never went anywhere in the playoffs, despite having one of the best teams in the NHL? Where was Backes's leadership then?

If they spent 6m on this guy because we needed his "leadership" ? good golly almighty

 

[rocketdan9]

He hasn't been as productive as I would like

He must have scored like 5 empty net goals this season

He has got chances to play with the best players of the team but hasn't produced.

I mean one game he was allowed to center Marchand and Pasta, the line did look pretty good until he got cut

For the playoffs not sure what Cassidy will do with Backes but I wouldn't mind if he is dropped to the 4th line to play with Kuraly, Acciari/Schaller

 

[Jean_Jacket41]

Too much hyperbole in one post.

Weren’t you the one that always tried to argue that the Bruins should have kept Loui instead of signing Backes?

 

[Mainehockey33]

He’s been fine this year. I’d be real surprised if they’d kept him after his NMC is up with all the kids rock sign.

Sure St Louis lacked Backes... And Bergeron, Chara, Marchand, Krejci, Mcavoy etc.

I have no problem with Backes right now and think he’ll be good in the post season, isn’t love to see him win a cup this year ( obviously haha).

 

[Over the volcano]

He’s been fine this year. I’d be real surprised if they’d kept him after his NMC is up with all the kids rock sign.

Sure St Louis lacked Backes... And Bergeron, Chara, Marchand, Krejci, Mcavoy etc.

I have no problem with Backes right now and think he’ll be good in the post season, isn’t love to see him win a cup this year ( obviously haha).

He's exactly the kind of player you want with a bunch of talented kids.

 

[Mainehockey33]

He's exactly the kind of player you want with a bunch of talented kids.

You think they can resign Heinen, Debrusk, Donato, Bjork, Carlo and Mcavoy with Backes on the team? I don’t see how. By that time Backes will have played with most of them for two years and they won’t be kids anymore. That’s when the kids become the core of the team along with Marchand, Bergeron, Pastrnak and Krejci.

 

[Mount Kramer Cameras]

There's plenty of space left in the press box.

Look who's back

 

[LouJersey]

I remember some comments when Sweeney signed him:

-Why are they spending/wasting 6M on this guy?
-This is a rebuilding team. Why did they signed a 30+ guy to that contract?
-Loui was better. Should have kept him instead.

Well, who is laughing now?

Sweeney knew exactly what he was doing. His plan was to integrate many great ELC in the lineup. Backes is a perfect vet to help the core to surround them.

He was one of the best players last year in the playoffs. He’s a warrior and playing him on the 3rd line gives the team a lineup advantage against other teams.

To date, this signing gets high marks.

I love Backes and all he brings to this team.

I also think anyone who is not happy with his lack of production is completely understandable. He was brought here for all his intangibles, but also to produce more than 35 plus points per season. He's been banged up so I get it but he needs to produce offense as well.

 

[Over the volcano]

I love Backes and all he brings to this team.

I also think anyone who is not happy with his lack of production is completely understandable. He was brought here for all his intangibles, but also to produce more than 35 plus points per season. He's been banged up so I get it but he needs to produce offense as well.

He's producing at the same rate as in St Louis - just without the PP time/production.

 

[BruinDust]

I love Backes and all he brings to this team.

I also think anyone who is not happy with his lack of production is completely understandable. He was brought here for all his intangibles, but also to produce more than 35 plus points per season. He's been banged up so I get it but he needs to produce offense as well.

He's been in and out of the line-up all year, between his two absences for diverticulitis, his suspension, and the cut to his leg. Then factor in he's only seeing the back 3rd of the PP on the 2nd unit, not getting the shorthanded time he's been used to, and his production over the course of the season has been fine IMO.

I will say he's looked a touch slower since returning from the cut to his leg. My guess is the cut is still bothersome. He hasn't been quite the Backes we've seen previously, albeit a small sample size.

He was St. Louis best player in the playoffs two years ago, and one of the better Bruin forwards last year. Hopefully once the playoffs start we'll see the best of David Backes.

 

[Rubber Biscuit]

He's producing at the same rate as in St Louis - just without the PP time/production.

Yep. Averaged 18:15 in St. Louis, but he's playing 15:22 here. The production is mostly there. I'm happy with his year. The contract may very well turn out to be bad, maybe even sooner than later. But to this point, he's been fine

 

[GordonHowe]

Easy. One player is only part of the equation. And on the Bruins, Backes fits in perfectly.

Like I said, ask anyone around the Blues what was missing, and Backes' name comes up specifically because of his ability to lead in the exact situation they were in.

What those Blues teams' of the past lacked wasn't a Backes leadership role but the Chara, Bergeron types to go along with him.

David Backes is everything I want a leader to be, and everything I want a member of the Boston Bruins to be. He gives you everything he has, and he does it all. Gold.

Sometimes fans don't understand why a player like this is signed long term, to relatively significant dollars. Dom has your answer, above.

 

[bob27]

I'd rather have Backes on the team than not, but I think it's fair to say that there's an opportunity cost for allocating a good chunk of the cap to him. It hasn't been a problem yet and probably won't be for next year either.