Author Archives: @AyltsSmitty

2019 World Junior Summer Showcase recap: Beecher boosts Team USA

Early last week the 2019 World Junior Summer Showcase came to a close. Two Boston Bruins prospects took part this year. John Beecher and Curtis Hall. John Beecher managed to outshine Hall, as well as most other tournament players, including the rest of Team USA.

Friendly Competition

In July, the Bruins selected Michigan commit and center, John Beecher in the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft. Still playing for Yale, Hall was selected in the fourth round in 2018. Over the course of the last month, Beecher and Hall competed in the 2019 World Junior Summer Showcase. Hall managed to play a key role for Team USAW (Team USA White). The score sheet doesn’t exactly say that, but those who watched the games will be able to tell you that Hall did a lot of dirty work for the team.

John Beecher on the other hand did lots of dirty work, but lit up the score sheet as well. Beecher, like Hall, played for two teams. Team USAB (Team USA Blue), and the two teams of Hall and Beecher combined to play as Team USA. Beecher managed to score points for both Team USAB and Team USA. In fact, Beecher lead Team USAB in goals and points. Hall managed to score one goal for Team USA. That was Hall’s only point of the Showcase. John Beechers performance with Team USAB managed to get him tied for the second most points, and tied for the fourth most goals in the tournament. You can see all team and player stats from the showcase here.

Bruins have a gem in Beecher

John Beecher not only managed to light up the score sheet, but also managed to light up the highlight reel as well. His biggest highlight coming against Finland, when Beecher managed to steal the puck in the defensive zone, pass up to teammate Jon Gruden in the neutral zone, fly passed defenders and go top shelf on the Swedish goalie. Beechers three other goals came from a great deflect in front of the net from a shot at the top of the key, and two goals from the faceoff circle that needed excellent skating off of the puck to be possible.

Thoughts to take away

John Beecher was a pick that a lot of Boston Bruins fans liked. On the other hand, the selection of Beecher was not liked by some fans. In most cases that I’ve seen, the fans who didn’t like the pick thought Beecher fell under the typical Bruin category. Big, physical, and a guy who can make a play every now and then. I think the Summer Showcase provided a lot of evidence that Beecher is indeed much more than a guy who can make a play every now and then. Beecher showed to be very versatile, and a very dangerous weapon in both the offensive and defensive zone.

Beecher’s playmaking abilities should prove to be his biggest weapon. Especially when he manages to make the transition from the college game to the pros. Making plays is always one thing that will get prospects an extra look from NHL organizations. Especially one like the Bruins who are looking for extra depth at the NHL level.

Featured image via https://flamesnation.ca/2019/05/30/flames-2019-first-round-targets-john-beecher/

Boston Bruins newest prospect Pavel Shen: What you need to know

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As Paul of Online-Casinos.co.uk predicted, on Monday the Bruins announced that the team has come to terms with 2018 seventh round pick forward Pavel Schen.

Where’s he been?

After being drafted in the seventh round in June of 2018, Shen decided to stay in Russia and continue playing Russian junior hockey (MHL). He totaled 12 goals and 15 assists in 34 games, while managing a plus 11 rating in juniors. Shen played in Russia’s second highest league (VHL) during the 2018-2019 season, totaling two assists in 13 games. Shen also played 49 games in the KHL. In those 49 games he had two goals and one assist. You can see a full history of Shen’s Junior and professional career here

Offensive upside

Schen’s offensive game has carried him so far in his career. Before being drafted by the Bruins, Shen was named to the MHL All Star team in the 2016-2017 season. During that season he lead the Mamonty Yugry in total points, with 45 in only 46 games played. In those 46 games, Schen scored 16 goals and had a team high 29 assists. Of the players who played only 46 games that year, Schen had the most goals, assists, and points. A plus minus of 16 also put him fourth in that category. Those numbers didn’t exactly translate for Schen as he moved leagues however. Much like Bruins first round pick John Beecher’s situation, once Pavel moved up leagues, he became buried by talent.

Where does he go from here?

Given the forward depth in Providence, Shen will likely see the bottom side of the top nine at best. Shen is a natural center that can move over to the wing spot if needed. Shen can join the top six, but he’ll have to show improvement in his overall game. If he can prove to make plays on a regular basis, Shen could find himself being plugged into the top six because of injuries or call ups. If he can play with the top six, he’ll really be able to show off his talent in the AHL.

Perhaps a move to the right wing would work for Schen. The stacked center depth might prove to difficult to crack for any future Bruins prospect. With a move to the wing, it’ll be easier for Schen to play with the more talented prospects, seeing as how the Bruins are so shallow on the wings.

Whatever the case may be, don’t count Schen out just because he was a seventh round pick. He has some very raw talent, but talent that could be enough to get him to the NHL level some day. Only time will tell.

Featured Image via nbcsports.com.

Why fighting needs to stay in the NHL

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Over the passed few seasons fighting has become a very controversial topic in the world of hockey. The NHL has taken drastic steps to crack down on fighting, and it has seen results as fighting is at an all time low in the NHL. You can read more on the current state of fighting here.Does eliminating fighting make the NHL a safer place? Lets decide.

Why fight?

Staged fights rarely occur in todays NHL. Even less now that the league has cracked down more on the enforcer rule in specific. More often than not the reason that a fight occurs in the NHL is because a bad hit was made, or because a player had been talking a little too much smack. Often times when a fight like that occurs, the dust is settled then and there. Every now and then a good old fashioned rivalry will be created by a physical game that includes a couple of fights. Or for instance, The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadians might be playing and the rivalry will be set in stone for the rest of the franchises existence. Those games that include the most fights also happen to be the games that the NHL makes their prime time games on national television.

The NHL isn’t doing a very good job of trying to shift away from fighting if they’re bringing the most attention to the games that include the most fights.

Cons of fighting

Obviously the number one con, and the reason that the league is cracking down on fighting, is player safety. Injuries sometimes occur when the gloves are dropped. Not only player injury, but also losing players to suspension. If a player is suspended for a fight, whether is be because he has fought enough times to earn a suspension, or because the fight was planned, losing players is never good for the league. Especially if it was just a fight that resulted in no serious injury. But how often does a player receive a serious injury after dropping the gloves? How dangerous is fighting compared to the blind sided open ice hits, or the hits from behind on the boards?

The NHL is being a bit hypocritical when they say they are trying to ban fighting due to safety, but then they let players like Nazem Kadri get away with a history that includes suspensions and or fines for an illegal hit to the head (twice) an “inappropriate throat slash gesture” (once) a boarding call (once) and a cross check to the face (once) JUST TO NAME A FEW. With a track record like that, Kadri then cross checked Jake DeBrusk in the 2019 NHL playoffs. This resulted in essentially only a four game suspension as he was suspended the rest of the series against the Bruins.

Pros of fighting

Some of the most exciting games in NHL history, and even still in the NHL today, consist of fighting and hard hits. Playoff hockey is the most watched hockey, and it is far more physical than regular season hockey. Is this a coincidence? Do fans tend to flock towards the more physical hockey games? I think it shows. Hockey fans love hockey fights. Fighting is a way to settle old scores, or even make players own up to cheap hits, or hits on star players. If star players are protected, star players can make more plays and bring in more viewers.

If fighting isn’t allowed, Team A takes out the star player for team B. Team B then responds by taking out the star player for team A. Now the star player for both team A and team B are injured, and you’ve now lost two star players. If you let players fight, Team B responds by dropping the gloves with whoever on Team A put the cheap hit on the star player for Team B and all is well.

Fighting is also used as something to get the crowd back into the game for the home team. A good fight at the end of a game can change the whole outcome of a game. Not only for the crowd, but to get players back into the game and pump them up as well.

Fighting makes the game cleaner, and enables players to police the game themselves without putting bounties on other players. A lot of players will even say that the league is more safe with fighting. Business can be settled in a rather controlled manner by dropping of the gloves.

Who’s at fault?

Fighting is indeed dangerous. Lets not forget though, that most fights end up finishing with at least one of the players involved with his helmet still on. No player is protected when he’s hit by a guy who doesn’t even see before the hit. Or when his body is crushed between the boards and an opposing player from behind. Fighting might bring an edge to the game. But it is not near as dangerous as an illegal hit. Hopefully the NHL can figure that out someday soon.

Why the Danton Heinen signing is great for the Boston Bruins

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On Monday the Boston Bruins announced the signing of forward Danton Heinen to a two year 2.8 million dollar deal. Despite the rather confusing outrage from the Bruins fanbase, the signing came rather cheap. Lets take a look at the a few of the important details before we make permanent judgements on the deal.

Short track record

Despite already having two full years of NHL experience, Danton Heinen is only 24 years old. He’s shown signs of being a very good, playmaking goal scorer. Some of his talent is raw and untouched, but he’s by no means a virgin on the highlight reel. When Danton Heinen is on the ice, good things happen.

One issue that comes with being young and versatile on a team like this Boston Bruins team, run by Bruce Cassidy, is that its hard to find fulltime line mates. If Heinen can get a full season as a member of the Boston Bruins second line I think his numbers will jump drastically. Heinen’s best season came one season ago in the 2017-2018 campaign. Danton played 77 games and accounted for 47 points, 16 goals and 31 assists. While the numbers don’t jump off the page, its shows that he’s more than a one trick pony.

One more thing to take note is that 12 of those points came on the power play. While its easy to say that its always easier to score on the power play, having an impact on the power play for a team who depends on it as much as this Boston Bruins team is certainly a way top get you to stick around for a while.

How does the deal compare to the rest?

If you compare the money of Danton Heinen’s contract to the other contracts that are similar, there is absolutely nothing to worry about with this deal. All but two players with a contact that is comparable are older than Heinen, and all but two are within 10 points of Heinen’s deal. Heinen also has the highest plus minus rating of all comparable deals. That stat goes right back to my point that good things happen when he’s on the ice.

Stability for top lines

I mentioned here that the Bruins have a bit of a depth issue on the wings. Heinen provides two more years of top nine forward stability for a team that desperately needs it. Whether he’s on the top line with Bergy or on the second line with Jake DeBrusk and David Krejci, Heinen will play an important role. Signing Danton Hienen gives the Bruins a little bit of breathing room at the wing position.

Turning heads

With Marcus Johannson signing with the Sabres and Noel Acciari signing with the Panthers, signing Danton Heinen checks number three off the free agent to do list for the Bruins. Numbers one and two still remain unsigned. Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo have yet to sign, and the issue is cap room. After Heinen’s signing the Bruins now have about $8 Million to spend between the two. All heads will turn to Don Sweeney and the Bruins front office now. A trade or two might be the only option to bring both Carlo and McAvoy back. Don Sweeney is on the clock.

Boston Bruins prospect watch: Jack Studnicka

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The Bruins have quite arguably the most talented roster in the NHL. Theres a chance that a good chunk of talent could be added to that roster next season. From one guy. From within the organization.

Whats the big idea?

Jack Studnicka is a 20 year old center in the Boston Bruins organization. Hes a physically gifted goal scorer that the Bruins have lacked over recent years. Hands and speed are two words that sum up the game of Studnicka, and he has the stats to back that up. For the 2018-2019 season Studnicka played a total of 60 games in the OHL. 30 games for the Oshawa Generals and 30 games for the Niagara Ice Hogs. A captain for the Generals, he put up 12 goals and 22 assists, totaling 34 points in 30 games. As an assistant captain for the Niagara Ice Dogs he tallied 49 points in 30 games, including 24 goals and 25 assists.

Studnicka is more of a traditional goal scorer than the Bruins roster is used to. For instance, David Pastrnak is the first player that comes to mind when I try to think of a comparison to a current Bruins player. An elite scorer with a little bit of a physical game. However, if Studnicka is doing his thing, he’s scoring goals. Being more of a goal scorer, he doesn’t exactly fit the Bruins traditional third or fourth line guy. The Bruins tend to lean towards bigger, more physical players on the third and fourth lines, while the more skilled guys lead the first and second line. In other words, there might be a little bit of a learning curve in order for Studnicka to fit in.

Will he make the jump?

Jack Studnicka is a natural center. The depth of the Bruins current roster will be Studnicka’s only hurdle from making the team out of camp. With Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci, Charlie Coyle, and Sean Kuraly, and newly signed Par Lindholm, the center of the ice is a busy place for the Bruins and is by no means a position of need.

The Bruins have never been shy of shifting guys around. Weighing in at 6’1 and 185 lbs, Studnicka doesn’t have many restrictions to stop him from playing any forward roll. With no lineup restrictions, he brings the value of being able to be plugged in anywhere in the lineup.

The style of Studnicka’s game also helps his case to make a run at the roster next season. He’s fast enough to keep up with any pace that the game requires. He can also slow the game down to the pace necessary for him to put the puck in the net. Perhaps Studnicka could play a part in the right wing depth issue for the Bruins that I also talked about here. Don Sweeney has said in interviews that he would be open to the idea of Studnicka playing on the wing. As stated before, Studnicka is a natural center, but Studnicka himself is also open to the roll of a winger.

Time will tell

Jack Studnicka definitely has the talent to play in the NHL. The depth of the Bruins center position will be Studnicka’s biggest hurdle. Injuries are inevitable, and perhaps that’ll be the opportunity that Studnicka needs to prove that he’s worthy of the NHL. Regardless, its only a matter of time before Jack Studnicka is making an impact at the NHL level for the Boston Bruins.

New goaltender coming to Boston?

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Don Sweeney Announced that the Boston Bruins will be diving into the goalie free agent market come Monday. What does this mean for Tuukka Rask and Jaroslav Halak?

Changing of the guard?

NHL free agency opens on Monday. Boston Bruins GM Don Sweeney has already confirmed that the Bruins will be active come Monday. One surprising note that Sweeney mentioned was that the Bruins will be active in the goalie market. Some fans immediately jumped to conclusions that Tuukka Rask and or Jaroslav Halak might be on the move. Rest assured, that isn’t the case.

If its not broken, don’t fix it.

Last year the Bruins goaltending tandem was one of if not the best in the NHL. While there is the never ending debate surrounding Tuukka Rask, this move will hardly effect him. After one of the better years of his career and a stellar postseason performance, Rask is still the guy for the Bruins. That turns the attention to Jaroslav Halak. While some might think that Halak is just a backup goalie, he’s much more than that. Now Halak might be the backup for Tuukka Rask, but that doesn’t mean Halak isn’t good enough to start elsewhere.

Amongst the best

Last season was one of the better seasons throughout the career of Jaroslav Halak. Despite being the Boston Bruins backup goaltender, Halak made his mark. Halak had one more shutout than Tuukka Rask despite playing in six less games, but still played in enough games to qualify for rankings in the league leaders. Again, playing in six less games than Tuukka Rask, but the numbers are impressive nonetheless. Halak ranked seventh in goals against average (GAA), and ninth in save percentage (Sv%). Both ranked higher than Tuukka Rask. Halak has one more year on his contract and has definitely earned the right to play out his deal in Boston. The only way this isn’t the case is of the Bruins decide to trade him at the trade deadline because they don’t think they’ll make the playoffs. I highly doubt that’ll be case.

What’s the big idea?

When the Bruins address the goalie situation in free agency, its likely gonna be the Providence Bruins that it effects the most. A starting goaltender for Providence is most likely what Don Sweeney will be looking for come Monday. Zane McIntyre is currently the Providence Bruins starting goalie. Despite a pretty good year last year, McIntyre looks like he’s the odd man out in the Bruins goalie race. McIntyre’s contract expired this season, making him a free agent. A free agent that likely doesn’t come back to the Bruins organization next season.

Inside options? Not quite yet.

Dan Vladar is a 22 year old goalie who sat below McIntyre on the Providence depth chart last year. Vladar managed a .500 record and only allowed 2.73 goals per game. He will likely share time with whoever the Bruins sign next season in Providence. Kyle Keyser is another very intruiging goalie prospect that the Bruins have. Keyser is 20 and he played most of last season with the Oshawa Generals in the OHL. Keyser played in 47 games with Oshawa, only allowing 2.75 goals per game and held down a solid .915 save percentage. The general consensus is that Keyser isn’t quite ready for a full time role in Providence yet. Injuries could play a big role in Keyser moving up however.

As we’ve now looked at all of the options within the Bruins organization we know that one will likely be out. My thinking is that Don Sweeney is going to be looking to bring in a veteran who can help the young Vladar and Keyser and set them on the right track to the NHL.

Bruins First Round draft pick John Beecher: What You Need To Know

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On Friday night the Boston Bruins selected 18 year old Center John Beecher of the US NTDP. Beecher is committed to play for the University of Michigan come fall.

I mentioned Beecher as a potential prospect for the Bruins to select in the second part of my Bruins offseason outlook.

The Rundown

The numbers for John Beecher throughout his US NDTP career don’t exactly jump out at you in the stat book. But don’t be alarmed, he was on the team for a reason. Beecher has good skating and scoring abilities, but not quite as good as the other centers on the team. Never getting to play the role of more than a third line center, Bleecher still had a stellar career. Bleecher was stuck in the shadows of other elite center prospects Trevor Zegras, Alex Turcotte, and the first overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft Jack Hughes. Hughes, Zegras, and Turcotte all tend to be more along the lines of the scoring and playmaking type. Beecher can do a little bit of everything, but he also brings something to the table that most players at his age and position cant: Size.

Tale of the tape

Beecher weighs in at an impressive 200 pounds while standing 6’3. At the young age of 18, he’s already got a leg up on the competition. Size isn’t something you can teach, but skating, shooting, and defending all are things you can. Beecher’s size has already become something that he uses to his advantage. The ability to shake off defenders, stride passed defenders, and bully defenders in front of the net have all become a part of Beecher’s offensive game. Beecher’s size helps on both ends of the ice however. Paired with his good skating skills, his size also tends to be a nightmare for opposing teams while he’s on the forecheck. A large body that isn’t afraid to bang on the boards, Beecher could someday become a key part in the Bruins forecheck game. Beecher is also known for his willingness to block shots.

Offense

One thing that comes as a surprise to many when looking at the size of John Beecher is his playmaking ability. His height, wingspan, as well as his skating abilities make it easier for him to make a play. The ability to shake off defenders makes it easier for Beecher to cycle the puck. Beecher’s ability to cycle the puck could eventually find him on the power play at the NHL level. The speed and footwork for Beecher are very good for his size. He can keep up with most guys at the NHL level when fully developed. While being able to out skate some players, he can also out battle players as well. Beecher has a good sense of control with the puck around the goalie. His puck control, combined with size, and good hands could someday be a nightmare for opposing teams.

In Conclusion

PATIENCE. We already know that John Beecher’s size is NHL ready. But given his young age of 18, his skills might not quite be there yet. Skating D-1 college hockey, and eventually skating with Providence in the AHL will provide excellent learning opportunities for Beecher. Going back to the point that Beecher was in the shadow of other centers, it will help if he can center a top or second line. Seeing him with top line talent could show off his playmaking abilities, as well as his scoring ability. All in all I think the Boston Bruins made a very solid pick tonight. Being able to land a talent like Beecher should have the Bruins very happy with their 30th overall selection.

The second through seventh rounds of the 2019 NHL draft will take place on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins will pick four times on Saturday as of Friday night.

Boston Bruins offseason outlook part two; Free agents and more

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After falling one game short of winning the Stanley Cup, the Boston Bruins can set themselves up for another run with some good additions.

As the team looks to win now, the future starts with the draft

The first round of the NHL draft is Friday night. The Bruins hold the 30th pick in this year’s draft. Now that the league has announced the salary cap will be $81.5 or $82.0 Million, however, it is more likely that we see a trade. A trade involving the Bruins first round pick Friday night could be one way for the team to clear some cap space. Assuming that the Bruins keep the pick, there are a lot of options on the board for them. Looking at the Bruins minor league system, there aren’t really any glaring holes that need to be addressed. The Bruins goalie depth is good enough for them to stay away from a goalie in the first round, and maybe in the 2019 draft as a whole. Given the young D core that the Bruins have assembled, I think we see Boston take a forward.

Whos caught the eye?

Forwards John Beecher, Bobby Brink, and Michal Teply are some realistic names for the Bruins to possibly take at 30. A play maker (Teply), a shooter (Brink), and a banger (Beecher). All three are well rounded, but the mentioned skills are the ones that stick out. All three players would certainly impact the Boston Bruins one day.

Money talks

As mentioned in my first offseason outlook article, the Boston Bruins have a good amount of money to spend on their own free agents before they look elsewhere. With key players like Carlo and McAvoy to bring back, the amount of money that the Bruins can shell out during free agency is limited. Marcus Johansson is a name that will be swirling around the Bruins until he is signed. Johansson will likely hit the free agent market and test the waters, as he should after a good year. Free agency will be very interesting for the Bruins. Their biggest need is a top six forward. The amount of money that the Bruins will be able to give a player capable of fitting a top six role might not be enough to seal the deal. Johannson is likely the most suitable player for the Bruins to target and ultimately bring back.

Outside help?

Another very interesting name that could be tied to the Bruins is former Anaheim Ducks star Corey Perry. After being bought out by the Ducks, Perry is now a free agent. Perry, a right wing, would fit well in the Bruins lineup, as well as the Bruins style of play. Perry is 6’3 and plays more of a power forward roll. Will he fit with the playmaking skills of David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk? I would certainly love to find out. Milan Lucic is another name that a lot of Bruins fans keep bringing up. Lucic was a crowd favorite who also played a top six power forward roll. Still under contract with Edmonton, it would take a buyout for the chance to come back to Boston. Similar to the Bruins situation with David Backes, it just doesn’t make much sense for the Oilers to buy him out.

Let the dominos fall

The NHL draft and free agency are both things that involve young players and money. Two things that the Boston Bruins have, kind of. With players lingering on the edge of the NHL, the Bruins have enough talent to ship out along side an undesirable contract like David Backes. The Bruins also have enough talent to go get a proven veteran on draft night in a trade that could involve the Bruins 30th overall pick. Don Sweeney and the rest of the Bruins front office will be VERY busy over the weekend.

Boston Bruins 2019 Offseason outlook Part one; Current Roster

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The 2018-2019 Boston Bruins season has come and gone. The season might not have ended in the exact way that the team and fans may have hoped, but it was still undoubtedly a success. Next year’s success starts in the offseason.

Buyout for Backes?

First big date in the NHL offseason is June 15th. This marks the beginning of the buyout period for NHL teams. The big name that comes up for Bruins fans when they hear buyout is David Backes. Backes’s play didn’t sit well with fans this season, especially because Backes is due $6 million next season. Given the buyout rules, if the Bruins choose to buyout David Backes, the team will only save $333,333. For what Backes brings to the table still, I think its highly unlikely that the Bruins buy him out. Look for Boston to package a pick or prospect with Backes in a trade if they do look to unload his contract.

Boston Bruins 2019-2020 Schedule

Line em up

The Bruins have 14 pending free agents, and roughly $14 million to spend. Some restricted and some unrestricted. Given that young potential core, players like Brandon Carolo and Charlie McAvoy are both due big extensions, the Bruins will likely spend every bit of the initial $14 million before the offseason ends. In addition to Carlo and McAvoy, that leaves little money to spend for other key roster member on the list of free agents like Danton Heinen, Marcus Johannsson, and Noel Acciari. Given the current cap situation for the Bruins I think the fate of David Backes will be very telling for the Boston roster. If the Bruins want to bring back Marcus Johansson to help fix their right wing depth issue, something has to give. After Johansson’s play this season he will get money if he wants it. Money that the Bruins don’t exactly have as the offseason starts.

The time is now

This is quite possibly one of the best rosters that the Bruins have had in a while. A lot of talent in a lot of different places. But do they have talent in the right places? The Bruins have had an issue with depth on the wings for a couple seasons now. They have a lot of upcoming talent in the minor leagues, but it’s talent that isn’t quite NHL ready. With the depth that the Bruins have, they could go out and trade for players to fit their needs. A guy like David Krejci could be the cost if the Bruins want to create cap room for free agency. Krejci has been a consistent locker room presence for the Bruins. With the acquisition of Charlie Coyle at the trade deadline, though, the Bruins could afford to move a center.

Moves for the future

Torey Krug has been a very popular name in Boston as of late. Not only for his stellar play in the postseason, but also because he’s coming up on the final year of his contract. Krug is currently taking up nearly $5.5 million on the Bruins payroll. Again, the Bruins have some depth at the NHL level and could trade a defenseman if they choose to do so. A lot of the Bruins talent in the minors is talent that plays the blue line. So a veteran on a one year deal could give the Bruins prospects some time to progress into the 20-21 season.

In conclusion, the Bruins have a lot of options and a lot of crucial decisions to make. Some could come quick as the NHL draft is not far away. Some could come later in the offseason if the Bruins are not confident in their roster.

Backes battles former dreams in hopes to achieve new one

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St Louis drafted David Backes in the second round of the 2003 NHL entry draft. In 2008 the Blues completed their first full season with Backes. Backes played with the Blues for ten seasons. As result of exceptional leadership Backes was team captain for five of those years. St. Louis Fans absolutely considered Backes a crowd favorite. He played a crucial part in the Blues making the playoffs in six of his ten years there. After no championship in ten seasons, or even making it to a cup final, Backes decided to turn a new leaf.

In 2016 David Backes signed a five year contract with the Boston Bruins. After three seasons with the Bruins, and a so far successful run in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, a very interesting situation has come as a result; The Boston Bruins are playing the St. Louis Blues in a Stanley Cup Final, winner take all game seven on Wednesday night.

Leader on and off the ice

Backes is seen by some as the bad guy given that he plays with quite the amount of grit, in other words, he’s not always a crowd favorite. Presenting himself in a good manor is something David Backes does very well. He’s highly active in animal rescue and animal adoption efforts. Those efforts have resulted in starting his own organization that raises funds and awareness for protecting homeless pets. Who doesn’t like a guy that saves animals? But presently Backes’ game results in him being quite dog himself. Backes isn’t the type of guy to be a crowd favorite for the fans of opposing teams. After taking on the enforcer roll, Backes is a thorn in the side of opposing players now even more so.

Feeling Blue?

Having to play the Blues in the Cup does have Backes a little torn. He even wishes the Bruins and Blues could take turns winning the cup. As a result of playing former friends and coaches for the cup, they’ve all given the cold shoulder until after the series according to Backes, therefore game seven will be open season. Given that David Backes still roots for the Blues, even as a member of the Boston Bruins, he isn’t in a lose – lose situation.I

Certainly hoping to hoist the cup himself with the Bruins, I think its easy to tell now that even if the game results in the Blues win the cup on Wednesday night there’s a little piece of David Backes that will be filled with joy, seeing his former teammates, coaches, fans, and even some close friends hoist the Stanley Cup.