Five reasons why Bruins fans should appreciate David Backes

Many criticized the Boston Bruins for signing David Backes to five-year deal worth $30 million on July 1, 2016. Well, I've been a proponent of the acquisition since Day 1. He's invaluable to the success of this team and it's no coincidence its recent string of success began when he rejoined his teammates at practice on Nov. 20 following colon surgery on Nov. 2.

Backes scored his first two goals of the season during Thursday's 6-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes at TD Garden. He adds so much more on and off the ice and here are five reasons fans should welcome the veteran forward with open arms:



The voice: The Bruins lost a bit of their soul and personality after the likes of Mark Recchi retired, Shawn Thornton's services weren't retained, Jarome Iginla signed elsewhere and Milan Lucic was traded. Those were the types of players that kept order and balance in the room, while Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara and David Krejci led by example on the ice. Backes' presence is respected and he's become a conduit between the players and the coaching staff.

"He’s a commanding presence," said Brad Marchand. "In the room he’s a very vocal guy and very intelligent. He knows the game and he knows what to say at the right time. He can really bring a lot of emotion to the game – in the room and on the bench and it shows in his play. You know, he’s always determined, he plays hard, he’s very tough to play against. So he’s big for our team."

Old-school Bruin: It's hard to find a more outspoken American player in the NHL when it comes to working hard and respecting the game. Boston is known for its hard-working, blue-collar fans and Backes plays this style of hockey, which is perfect for the Bruins. He's made a career of going to the dirty areas and grinding his way towards success. Not every player is willing to take a beating in front of the net or in the corners for the betterment of the team. Backes is your guy in that department. He cares about his teammates, the game and the fans. He's honest and never backs down from a challenge.

"Hee’s a huge leader for our team," Marchand said. "He’s steps up all over the place – in the room, on the ice, on the bench. He’s a big void when he’s not playing. So we’re very lucky to have him back, he stepped up big (Thursday) and really turned that game around for us."

Timing is everything: Not only did he arrive in Boston at the most opportune time, Backs has a knack of producing when the team needs it most. That was the case on Thursday. The second period was awful for Boston and the Bruins couldn't get out of their own way. Backes, including linemates Danton Heinen and Riley Nash, along with defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, created sustained pressure in the offensive zone.  Backes was working hard for position in front before he redirected a shot in for his first goal of the game. The Bruins settled down after that, regrouped and finished strong.

"It was important and he’s a well-liked guy in the room, so then guys were genuinely happy that," said Bruce Cassidy. "He’s scored a lot of goals in this league, 500 points, so you knew it was going to come, but the way he scored it, that's his bread and butter."

He's wicked smart: Backes may be one of the strongest players on the ice, but he's definitely not one of the fastest, especially after losing 15 pounds following his surgery. He makes up for it with his hockey sense and IQ. He's sound positionally and understands his responsibilities. He's strong on the puck and usually takes good angles. When he delivers those teeth-shattering body checks, he'll never take himself out of the play. It's a game of mistakes and he'll make his fair share, but those usually come few and far between.

Knows what he wants: When the longtime captain of the Blues became an unrestricted free agent, and it was evident he wouldn't remain in St. Louis, the idea of coming to Boston was an easy decision. He wanted to play for an Original Six team and when he examined the Bruins organization and its potential, he wanted to be part of it and possibly end his career here. He's not afraid to tell the coaching staff what he thinks and it was evident at the start of training camp that he wanted to play with Sean Kuraly. Backes is a natural centerman by trade, but he was willing to play the wing. On Thursday, Nash was in the middle, but it's likely Cassidy could return Nash to play with Tim Schaller and Noel Acciari, while putting Kuraly with Backes and Heinen.

"David is the leader in terms of how he wants that style of line to play," admitted Cassidy. "That’s the type of line he wants, and now we have the pieces in-house here that are now starting to fit. It took us a while for different reasons – injuries or trying to find the right chemistry. It looks like it’s falling into place. The other guys are willing to do that as well."

That style means keeping the opposition out of your team's end, sustaining a relentless forecheck in the offensive zone and having the ability to be an offensive threat.

Forget his salary for a moment and focus on the entire body of work. If the Bruins can win another Stanley Cup with this group, Backes' career in Boston will be on par with Recchi, who was recently inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.