After waiving David Backes earlier this month, the Bruins announced Thursday morning that the veteran forward will not be reporting to the Providence Bruins now that the team has returned from their bye week.
"After speaking with David, we have agreed that it is in the best interest of David and the Bruins for him not to play in Providence at this time,… general manager Don Sweeney said Thursday in a statement release. “David is fit and able to play, but in order to preserve all potential options for both David and the Bruins moving forward, we have decided this is the best course of action."
It’s a move that shouldn’t shock many. Backes has nothing to prove at the AHL level, and not much to gain by suiting up in the AHL.
Backes appeared in 16 games for the Bruins this season, scoring once and adding two assists. The 35-year old Backes has one more full season remaining on a five-year $30 million contract signed in 2016. Backes contract does include a modified no-trade clause which allows him to be traded to eight teams this season, and 15 next season.
So where do the Bruins and Backes go from here?
The best option for both would be for the Bruins to seek out a trade for Backes. But any trade involving Backes would ultimately cost the team either a draft pick or a solid prospect as compensation for Backes’ hefty contract.
Retirement is also an option for Backes, but it sounds like Backes wants to continue his career. Plus, who wants to leave another $6 million on the table? Should Backes retire, the Bruins would be off the hook for his full cap hit.
If I had to guess how things play out, the Bruins will continue to try and find a trade partner for Backes and should they fail to do so before the trade deadline passes on February 24th, Backes will report to Providence.