Tag Archives: David Backes

What Will the Bruins Do with McAvoy and Carlo

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On Tuesday night the Boston Bruins announced they signed restricted free agent Danton Heinen to a two-year deal with a $2.8 million cap hit. The NHL salary cap for the 2019-2020 season is $81.5 million, and the Bruins have about $8 million available. Now that Heinen is signed, what will be done with Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo? McAvoy played 54 regular season games with 7 goals and 21 assists, totaling 28 points. In the post season he played 23 games with 2 goals and 6 assists for 8 points. Carlo played 72 regular season games, tallying 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points. In the postseason he played 24 games with 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points total.

Photo by Winslow Townson

Navigating the Cap

Last season Brandon Carlo was not as productive in points as Charlie McAvoy, but they’re both effective on the ice and bring speed and physicality to the team. Both are also now restricted free agents who want (and deserve) bigger contracts. With so little cap space, however, this will be a difficult task. The Bruins have a few options to explore, the most likely will be to trade players who are older and less productive. Defenseman John Moore, 28, is a likely candidate with a cap hit of $2.75. After 61 games played in the regular season, Moore got only 4 goals and 9 assists for 13 points. He played 10 postseason games and went pointless. Likewise, injury-prone defenseman Kevan Miller, 31, has a cap hit of $2.5 million and missed much of last season and the entirety of the postseason.

Trading Backes

David Backes is the subject of much discussion in this regard. He’s 35 with an annual cap hit of $6 million. He’s not as productive as he once was, and was a healthy scratch during stretches both in the regular and postseason. Trading Backes would free up a lot of space to sign McAvoy and Carlo, but can the Bruins find a team willing to take on those cap hits? There are teams out there with a large enough gap. Teams like Colorado, Winnipeg, and Ottawa all have over $20 million available, and could be good trade targets.

Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images

Bridge Contracts

Another option would be bridge contracts. While McAvoy and Carlo likely want larger, long-term contracts, they could be signed to short term contracts with the understanding that they’ll be revisited in a couple of years, once contracts expire for players such as Backes, David Krejci, and Tuukka Rask.

McAvoy is the Priority

One more potential solution, though not necessarily the most desirable, would be to only sign one of the two. If that’s the case, it has to be Charlie McAvoy. His production, ice time, and style of play makes him an obvious franchise player. You can count on the fact that the Bruins will sign McAvoy no matter what.

Photo by Brian Babineau

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.

Trent Frederic

A memorable Debut For Trent Frederic

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Last night Trent Frederic made his NHL debut, and less than two periods into his NHL career became a fan favorite. There are fewer ways to win over the Bruins fan base than a good- old fashioned hockey fight, and Frederic did just that. The rookie dropped the gloves with Branden Tanev towards the end of the second period. It was a memorable debut for a prospect with high expectations.

The Bruins selected Frederic in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. Before Frederic’s promotion, he was enjoying a solid season in Providence with ten goals and seven assists. The former Wisconsin Badger is not projected to be an electrifying top- line center. He does, however, bring value to the Bruins with his physical style of play. He is a bruising two-way center that should be able to make a living on the second or third line.

While Frederic’s stay could be brief, he showed why he could become a Garden favorite for years to come. Against Winnipeg, Frederic made it clear that he will not back down from any challenge. This is a quality that Bruins have seemed to lack so far this season. He has also improved offensively after struggling in previous oppurtunites.

With a chance at securing a roster spot on the third line in training camp, Frederic failed to seize to secure a roster spot. As a result, he began the season in Providence in order to refine his game. The improvement was evident, especially over last weekend. Before being called up, Frederic was able to record a two-goal, two-assist weekend. In thirty-seven games for Providence he was a plus four player.

Photo Credit: Jeffrey T. Barnes/ Getty Images

Alongside his childhood hero, David Backes, Frederic showed many positives. In the face-off dot, he went 4-7 and was able to land two shots on net. The former Badger was strong on the puck and landed two hits. While he didn’t light up the stat sheet, Frederic impacted the game in many other ways.

With the trade deadline looming getting a look at Frederic will be key as the Bruins look at their options. He brings a punch to the Bruins third line that they have lacked all season. While he still has a lot to learn, last night was an impressive debut for a Bruins prospect with a bright future.

Schenn

What Brayden Schenn Would Bring To Boston

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With the trade deadline approaching the Bruins have been linked to many players who could be moved. They are currently on pace for a hundred point season, but have struggled to receive secondary scoring. One name they have been tied to is St. Louis Blues center Brayden Schenn. He has averaged 23 goals and 54 points over the last five seasons. His numbers are down this season on a Blues team that is last in the Western Conference. While Schenn would not come cheap, he would be a welcome addition to this Bruins team.

Scheen would most likely be put on the Bruins second line, which has been searching for consistency all season. David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk have been a formidable duo, however right wing has been a revolving door. So far the rotating cast of fill-ins have been unable to provide consistent scoring. The Blues center would transition well to the Bruins second line, as his 23 points would be the sixth most on the Bruins roster.

Photo Credit: USA Today Images

Additionally, Schenn’s playing style fits perfectly with this team. He plays with an edge, and would bring size and toughness to the Bruins forward group. Schenn has 19 career fights to his name, showing he will stand up for his teammates. His physical presence would be a huge addition to a forward group that is fast and more skill- oriented.

The price, however, would not be cheap as Scheen still has one year left on his deal. The Bruins would most likely have to part with a first-round pick, a prospect, and a contract to make the deal work. David Backes, who played for the Blues before he came to the Bruins, could be a possibility as his cap hit is similar to Scheen’s. The Bruins would also make a good trade partner due to their depth.


The Blues would most likely ask for Heinen, Bjork, or one of the Bruins highly touted prospects in Providence. While both Bjork and Heinen have struggled this season, they still have high upside. It is not definite the Bruins will end up with Scheen, but it is one rumor to watch.

Although Schenn would cost young talent he can help this team in multiple ways. He would not only bring a scoring touch but also add toughness to the Bruins bottom lines. The Bruins will most likely pull the trigger on bringing in at least one forward, and Schenn could be their guy.

Boston Bruins

Game Preview: Bruins vs Buffalo

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The Boston Bruins are looking to extend their winning streak as they host the Buffalo Sabres tonight at TD Garden. This will be their fourth match-up this season. Coming off a win against the Calgary Flames, the B’s will see the return of winger David Backes, who is coming off a three-game suspension. He will be slotted on the right wing with Jake Debrusk and David Krejci. This morning the B’s had optional skate at the Warrior Ice Arena. Coach Bruce Cassidy also announced that both Colby Cave and Steven Kampfer will be scratches for tonight’s game.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres Preview
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

GETTING THERE

The season is now half-way through as the Bruins continue to play with positive momentum. After a temendous win at the Winter Classic, the B’s are looking and feeling good. Amidst the multiple injuries they’ve dealt with early in the first half of the season, the boys in Black and Gold have managed to hold a strong position in the Playoff’s scene. The Bruins are now four points behind Toronto as they are tied with the Sabres for 3rd in the Atlantic Division. At this point, it’s safe to say that Boston are on pace for 100 points or more by the end of 2019.

GAME NOTES: BRUINS

With the addition of Backes in the line-up, the Bruins roster once again will be shifting as Joakim Nordstom is nursing a fractured fibula. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy is currently out and has only managed to play in 17 games this season, although frustrations should start to melt away as it seems he’ll be back sooner rather than later.

Well, I feel good about it, to be honest with you. I mean, right now we’re halfway through the year (Game 41) and we’re at 50 points. We’d like to think we’ll get better, simply because a lot of the guys that were out that are key contributors are now healthy and the only one left is Charlie.”

Coach Bruce Cassidy

The Bruins are fourth in the league for the power play percentage at 27.8 They currently have a 23-14-4 record while Buffalo has a 22-13-6 record in a tight race for that third position as both teams have 50 points. The last time these two teams met, the Bruins rallied back to win 3-2 as Sean Kuraly netted the overtime goal.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

GAMES NOTES: SABRES

The Sabre’s Jack Eichel will be missing from the lineup for the second straight game due to an upper-body injury. He suffered the set-back during a recent game against the New York Islanders in which the Sabres fell 3-1. He leads Buffalo with 49 points in 40 games so far. Left-winger Jeff Skinner is second to Eichel with 41 points in 41 games and leads the team with 28 goals. Goaltender Linus Ullmark will get the start tonight in net for the Sabres. He currently has a 2.73 goals against average with a .922 save percentage.

Boston Bruins vs Buffalo Sabres
(Photo Credits: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

QUICK STATS

Bruins All-Star David Pastrnak has a three point game streak with 22 points in his last 14 games. He also has 52 points in 41 games and leads the team in points and goals. Brad Marchand is second with 44 points with Patrice Bergeron at 35 points. David Krejci isn’t far behind with 33 points total. Pastrnak is tied in fourth place in the league for goals at 25, and leads with 12 powerplay goals. Tuukka Rask will be in net for the Bruins tonight while looking to continue an upward trend in his play. He currently has a 2.63 goals against average with a .914 save percentage.

WHEN TO WATCH: Tonight with puck drop @ 7:00pm

WHERE TO WATCH: NESN, ESPN+, MSG-B

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Bruins comeback

Bruins Comeback From 2-0 Defecit To Stun Arizona

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With the injury to Patrice Bergeron, the Bruins have been without one of their deadliest weapons.  Tuesday night that did not matter as the Bruins new top line was magical.  After a sloppy first period, the Bruins found themselves in a 2-0 hole.  Things looked grim as the B’s had yet to come back from a two-goal deficit this season.  With their backs against the wall, this team that has already dealt with tremendous adversity, came roaring back.

The Bruins first goal came courtesy of Danton Heinen.  He buried a beautiful backhanded feed by JFK in front of the net.  Heinen’s goal ignited a Bruins comeback that Arizona could not stop.  The Bruins then took control due to their newly formed first line.  The trio of David Krejci, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak accounted for the Bruins next three goals as the Bruins took a 4-2 lead and never looked back.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

Top Line Leads Bruins Comeback

Over the past few games, Bruce Cassidy has placed David Krejci on the first line.  Against Arizona, Krejci was in vintage form as the Bruins top line looked unstoppable.  They single handily took control of the game as Marchand tallied two goals, and Pastrnak got his 21st of the season.  The trio played as if they had been together all season.  At a time where the Bruins need everyone at their best, Krejci, Marchand, and Pastrnak carried the team.

After a crazy second period, both teams remained scoreless in the third period.  The Bruins, while sloppy at times with the puck, did enough to hold off Arizona.  It was not the Bruins prettiest game but they battled adversity and found a way to win.  They also avoided any injuries after a scary sequence in the first period.  David Backes took a skate to the face but returned at the start of the second period and finished the game.

Bruins comeback

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara- USA TODAY Sports

After four days off the Bruins will return to the ice on Friday night for a tilt against Pittsburgh.  They will look to increase their win streak to four and continue to rise in the standings.

For more Bruins news Follow @JamieGatlin1217 on Twitter

Bruins Fall to Florida 5-0

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Cracks are starting to expose themselves when it comes to the Bruins as evident in the recent shutout loss to Florida. In a listless game against the Panthers, Boston had struggles early on and by the 2nd, the wheels fell off.  But if there’s anything positive that can be said about this team; they know how to make comebacks. Much like last season amidst all the injuries, the Bruins found their stride and went on a tear. They were the team that did it when they weren’t expected to do it. Last night Coach Bruce Cassidy had this to say:

I didn’t like the first at all, to be with honest with you. Our goaltender kept us in. Our goaltending has been very good all year, so we’ve been able to bounce back from it…some of our younger players had their hand full.

(Photo Credit: NHL Bruins Twitter)

Florida’s goaltender Roberto Luongo had missed the last five games and recorded his 77th shutout win last night in the 5-0 win against the B’s.  Luongo is now ninth on the list for the NHL all-time career shutouts.  After a stalemate in the first period with neither team scoring, the Panthers pulled the trigger and controlled the second period, scoring four goals.  Mike Hoffman scored first at 4:21 in the second after knocking in a loose puck past Jaroslav Halak.  Mike Matheson made it 2-0 at the 13:13 mark.  Jonathan Huberdeau added another goal giving Florida a cushioned-lead over the Bruins, making it 3-0. Hoffman once again scored during a power-play off a one-time with seconds left in the period making the score 4-0.  Evgeni Dadonov hit another nail in the coffin when he scored a power-play goal in the third period at 14:36, making the final score 5-0.  Bruins goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 39 saves while Luongo made 33 saves in net.

NEXT UP

The loss marks the fifth shutout for the Bruins this season as Florida out shot Boston 44-33. The team will be looking for another bounce back this Thursday when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning, who currently lead the Atlantic Division with a 21-7-1 record.  Boston currently remain (by a thread) in the 1st wildcard position with a 14-9-4 record.  David Backes spoke with the media after the game:

Coach Bruce Cassidy also spoke with the media after the game to express the same sentiment that has been shared by many: lack of defense:

“Our team defense wasn’t good enough.  Poor gaps all night.  Didn’t move the puck on the back-end nearly crisp enough…We do have some young guys learning their way.  Can’t use that as en excuse.  Once you’re up here, you have to be able to make the plays that are expected of you and we didn’t do that tonight”

The Bruins face the Tampa Bay Lightning this Thursday night with puck drop at 7:30 pm at the Amalie Arena.

 

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David Backes

David Backes Stepping Up When Needed Most

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The David Backes era has not gone as many expected in Boston. Backes has provided veteran leadership during his Bruins tenure but failed to live up to his contract. Earlier this season, as the Bruins offense struggled, Backes did as well. Through the Bruins first seventeen games, the veteran winger registered just one point. Lately, his play has improved. In the Bruins last four games, he has two goals. Despite his struggles, Backes can still contribute to this team and has started to round into form.

David Backes Improving After Slow Start

This season the veteran winger has been a staple on the Bruins third and fourth line. That is not what the Bruins envisioned when they signed him three years ago, however, that is where he has been the most productive. His improved play is due to the fact that he has been more aggressive. Over the Bruins last five games, he has fourteen shots on net. That, however, is not the only reason for the veterans recent offensive contributions.

During his tenure in Boston, Backes has battled injuries and this year has been no different. He dealt with a concussion earlier this season that sidelined him for the second half of October. Because of the injury, Backes played with a more passive approach. Keeping him healthy will be key as the Bruins have already had many players miss significant time. Even when healthy this season Backes play has been affected by the younger Bruins trying to find their way.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Inside Hockey

Changing Style

Backes began the season on skating on a line with Anders Bjork and Danton Heinen. Due to their struggles defensively Backes put more emphasis on his defense. This was reflected in his statistics as he failed to register a point through the Bruins first eleven games. The choice to hang back made him appear tentative and prevented him from battling in front of the net. His recent aggressive play is starting to yield results and has earned him time on the powerplay. On the man advantage, he is helping the Bruins win faceoffs and keep the puck in the offensive zone. He will never match Bergeron’s production. However he has made the Bruins powerplay productive without one of its best weapons.

David Backes

Photo Credit: Claus Anderson/ Getty Images

Through the Bruins first, twenty-six-game Backes has not been an offensive force. With injuries mounting, the Bruins need veteran leadership more than ever. Backes has answered the challenge and is stepping up when his team needs him the most.

Follow Me On Twitter @JamieGatlin1217

 

Third Line

Who Will Be on the Bruins’ Third Line?

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The Bruins will have many battles going on before the start of the regular season. One that will be interesting to watch is how the Bruins’ third line pans out. With the departures of Riley Nash and Tim Schaller in free agency, the Bruins have holes to fill. At the moment David Backes and Danton Heinen depending on who ends up on the second line are the only locks for the third line. The Bruins have many candidates for the last spot on the third line including Chris Wagner, Trent Frederic, and Jack Studnicka. All these players will be looking to make their case with the start of the season approaching.

The New Guy

Earlier this offseason the Bruins signed Chris Wagner to a two-year deal worth 1.25 million a year. Wagner is not the most offensively gifted and is seen as a better fit on the fourth line. He brings a bottom six versatility and could play center or on the wing. He relies on his physicality and intimidation. Wagner brings toughness to the Bruins’ bottom lines which would fit well on either the third or fourth line. In order to secure a spot on the third line, he will have to show more offensively. Of these three Wagner has the most secure spot on the Bruins’ roster the only question is where he will be placed in the lineup.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Christopher Pasatierei/ Getty Images North America

Prospects Battling For the Third Line

Two players battling for the last spot are highly touted prospects. Between the two Frederic is closer to being NHL ready. The Bruins drafted Frederic in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. He was seen as a reach at that spot due to his limited offensive ability. He will never be a thirty goal scorer but the Bruins still have high expectations for him. Frederic will most likely fill a defensive role while contributing a respectable amount of offense. Frederic will have to show that he is ready for the NHL as he has only played in 13 games at Providence. He will have to hold off another highly motivated Bruins prospect who is starting to make a name for himself.

The Bruins drafted Jack Studnicka in the second round of the 2017 NHL draft. Last season he played five games for Providence and was able to tally five points. He has the tools to be an elite scorer which was on display in the prospects challenge. He has more offensive upside than Frederic and is not afraid of standing up for his teammates. That will be key on the third line and his play has impressed the Bruins front office. In order to secure a spot he will have to continue to show his play-making ability. Even if he is sent back to Providence he has already left a good impression on the Bruins front office. He is a longshot to make the Bruins roster but he is not letting that hold him back.

Third Line

Photo Credit: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Final Thoughts

All of these players are battling for a single spot. Whoever does not win will end up in Providence or in Wagner’s case on the fourth line. They are each playing with a chip on their shoulder which will only make them better. For Studnicka and Frederic, it will give the Bruins a glimpse of what they can do. They will also be battling Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson who will looking to make the jump to the NHL but will most likely start the season in Providence. The Regular season is drawing closer but this battle is only getting started and it will have an impact on the Bruins’ future.

Follow me on Twitter: @JamieGatlin1217