Backes registered two assists -- including a man-advantage helper -- in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

A veteran forward known for his versatility, Backes' 19:07 of ice time was close to a season high, and he now has a serviceable eight points (four goals, four assists) in 12 games since Nov. 29, when he courageously returned after undergoing surgery to remove part of his colon. While the American hasn't been counted on as much in Boston following 10 seasons with the Blues, he remains a physical, power-play presence who should finish around a half-point per game by the end of the 2017-18 campaign -- his second with the B's.

Backes had a power-play goal and an assist in a 7-2 win over Columbus on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Backes' absence in November certainly wasn't his fault, but the reality is that in December, he's now posted five scoreless outings in eight games. He's an option in deep leagues, but that's about it at this point.

Backes scored a pair of goals in Thursday's win over the Coyotes.

EDGE Analysis

They were the first markers of the season for Backes, who missed almost all of November due to a battle with diverticulitis. The veteran has slotted in on the third line and was credited with 17:23 of ice time Thursday. He won't produce massive offensive totals, but Backes found the net 17 times in his debut season with Boston and dishes out plenty of hits. He's worth adding in some deeper leagues now that he's healthy again.

Backes (illness) will be in the lineup for Wednesday's game against Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

The American forward has played just five games this season while dealing with diverticulitis, logging one assist and a minus-3 rating in that span. However, one has to believe that Backes' play will improve moving forward after undergoing surgery to correct the problem. Backes will also be thrust into a more prominent role Wednesday, centering the team's second line while David Krejci nurses an upper-body injury.

Backes (illness) will be a game-time decision for Tuesday night's contest against the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

Backes has missed 17 games as a result of his battle with diverticulitis and was nearing a return anyway, but he may be feeling more pressure to return to action upon the news that David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk will not play Wednesday due to upper-body injuries. Should he return, Backes will likely return to a top-six role and should continue to see time on the power play.

Backes (illness) won't be able to play Sunday, but Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy is encouraged by the versatile winger taking contact for the first time Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Backes, who has missed the past 11 games, remains in recovery mode following a procedure to remove part of his colon. Don't expect the B's to rush him back, but it's worth noting that the team has been thinning out up front with undisclosed ailments to Backes' fellow forwards Anders Bjork and Brad Marchand.

Backes, who is bouncing back from surgery to remove part of his colon, resumed skating with his teammates Monday, the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

While the veteran forward's presence on the ice is a step in the right direction, his return to game action is not imminent. Following his Nov. 2 surgery, an eight-week recovery was estimated and that hasn't changed, at least not at this stage.

Backes (illness) was designated for injured reserve Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Considering Backes is expected to miss eight weeks following surgery to remove a portion of his colon, it shouldn't come as a surprise the team placed him on IR. How the lineup shakes out long term without the talented winger remains to be seen, but for now, the club has called up Austin Czarnik from AHL Providence.

Backes will undergo an operation that will remove a portion of his colon Thursday and will be sidelined for the next eight weeks.

EDGE Analysis

Backes and the team decided to go ahead with the surgery in order to best manage his health, as we learned in the team's release that the player's bout with diverticulitis in October was his second episode in as many months. An eight-week absence gives Backes a chance to return before the conclusion of 2017, but until he's able to return, Boston will be missing another centerman, with David Krejci (back) and Ryan Spooner (groin) already out.

Backes will center the team's second line Thursday against San Jose, Joe Haggerty of NBC Sports Boston reports.

EDGE Analysis

With David Krejci set to miss Boston's next two games with an upper-body injury, Backes will find himself in a prominent 5-on-5 role for the first time this season. Backes is a tough player that's willing to win puck battles while still contributing on offense, though his limited skating ability could detract from the play of his fleet-of-foot wingers David Pastrnak and Jake DeBrusk.