Updated analysis: With David Backes, David Krejci and Ryan Spooner sidelined, what now?

With the news that David Backes will be sidelined at least eight weeks after having surgery to remove a portion of his colon, it means the Boston Bruins are without three of their regular centermen.

Backes, David Krejci (back spasms) and Ryan Spooner (groin tear) are all out of the lineup, which doesn’t bode well for the team’s success. Without Krejci, the Bruins are losing a playmaking veteran, one who helps get the most from forward David Pastrnak. Krejci is also an important component on special teams.

Backes adds a much needed veteran presence in the room and on the ice, which has been missing the last few seasons.

“It’s all the intangibles on the ice, but off the ice also,” said Patrice Bergeron. “He’s a big voice in the locker room. He’s been around for a while and he was the captain in St. Louis, so he’s a big void to fill on and off the ice. It’s about that next-man-up mentality and we have to make sure we all pick up the slack.”

When healthy, Backes' grit and determination are important, especially for the younger players on the team. The Bruins signed Backes, 33, to a massive five-year deal worth $30 million on July 1, 2016. The Bruins could place Backes on long-term injured reserve.

Spooner hasn’t developed into the type of NHL player the organization was hoping for but his presence on the power play was helpful. His injury has allowed the Bruins to get a better look at Sean Kuraly, Danton Heinen and Kenny Agostino.

Without Krejci and Backes, that puts a strain on a Bergeron to carry the workload and production.

“It’s tough to see that he’ll be out of the lineup for a little bit of time,” Bergeron said.

 

 



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Even though Backes is a natural centerman, Bruce Cassidy felt the veteran forward would be best suited as a third-line winger to start the season. After injuries to Spooner and Krejci, Backes was moved to second-line center. With all the injuries, there's only been one game when Cassidy had a complete and healthy lineup.

“Nothing has played out the way we were hoping because of some of the injuries,” Cassidy said. “We lose another good solider (in Backes). Part of the intangibles is what we’ll miss the most. He’s pretty good at getting us back on track and he’s a big brother for a lot of our young guys.”

Cassidy will go with a center-by-committee for the time being. He’ll rely on Riley Nash, Tim Schaller and Sean Kuraly. The Bruins also recalled Jordan Szwarz from Providence. He’s a right-handed shot and he can play both center and right wing, similar to Backes. Schwarz doesn’t have Backes’ size, but the two play similar styles.

Austin Czarnik, who’s also a right-handed shot, played well in the couple of games he’s played for the Bruins this season, but Cassidy is looking for a more physical player at this point. Schwarz had a solid playoff run with the P-Bruins last season, and he’s played with Danton Heinen, so it’s likely they could be reunited on Thursday, along with Anders Bjork.

“They had some chemistry at the American League level and we brought him in for depth reasons and this is a good opportunity for him,” Cassidy said.

Some fans are wondering if Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson will be called up since there are multiple centers injured. He still needs to continue his pro development in the AHL, but this is why the Bruins have depth in the organization for times like now, so if Szwarz doesn’t fit then maybe JFK will get an opportunity.