Fansided

NHL Free Agency Rumors: David Backes signs one-year deal with Bruins

By Dave Stevenson

Dec 5, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) in action during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scottrade Center. Toronto won the game 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues center David Backes (42) in action during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scottrade Center. Toronto won the game 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former St. Louis Blues captain David Backes has reportedly agreed to a one year deal with the Boston Bruins.

After a strong postseason that saw the St. Louis Blues reach the Western Conference Finals, Blues captain David Backes ensured that he would cash in as a free agent and that he wouldn’t have to wait long to find a new team.According to Bob McKenzie, Backes and the Boston Bruins have agreed to a one-year deal.

Backes is one of the more highly thought of players in the NHL because of his leadership and his skill. It’s a huge surprise that he only got a one-year deal, but this is a move that should help the Bruins be a better team in 2016-17. Backes is a hard-nosed player who might be seeing his skill decline, but his hockey IQ and his compete level should help the Bruins as they look to return to the postseason.

Since it is a one-year deal, there is virtually no risk involved. Where Backes fits with the Bruins remains to be seen as they already have two extremely good centers in Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci and a very good center in Ryan Spooner. The Bruins get a huge potential value and they don’t have to worry about Backes declining. Hard to see this deal as anything but a significant win.

For more NHL Free Agency coverage, check out our NHL hub page.

Home/Boston Bruins