With reference to the possibility of Backes (concussion) playing Saturday against the Panthers, coach Claude Julien noted Friday, "I think it's looking good, but I haven't had any confirmation yet."

EDGE Analysis

Backes skated on a line with Ryan Spooner and David Krejci at Friday's practice, with the veteran power forward continuing to trend in the right direction as Saturday's contest approaches. Backes, who last suited up on Dec. 29, has logged nine goals and 19 points, to go along with 31 PIM in 33 games for the Bruins to date this season.

Coach Claude Julien relayed that Backes (concussion) won't play Thursday against the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

Per Julien, Backes -- who returned to practice Wednesday -- is "doing really well, but not quite 100 percent." As a result, the veteran power forward remains in the day-to-day category in advance of Saturday's road game against the Panthers.

Per coach Claude Julien, Backes has been medically cleared from his concussion and is able to take full contact.

EDGE Analysis

Backes returned to practice Wednesday, skating with Ryan Spooner and David Krejci in the process. With that in mind, the veteran winger now falls into the day-day-day category, with Julien noting Wednesday that Backes' status for Thursday's game against the Oilers is "still undetermined" and will be revisited by the Bruins that morning.

Backes (concussion) was out on the ice for a limited practice Wednesday, Mike Loftus of The Patriot Ledger reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backes has yet to take part in actual drills, but the heady, versatile forward still does not have an injured reserve label and that leaves room for optimism as the B's have another day off before they'll need to prepare for the next game -- a home clash with sophomore sensation Connor McDavid and the Oilers on Thursday. If Backes is able to practice on the power play in the coming days, that will be a strong indication that he's ready to rejoin the lineup.

As feared, Backes will be out indefinitely with a concussion.

EDGE Analysis

The Bruins will follow the NHL's mandated protocols, but this is an especially delicate situation since it concerns Backes, who's had past issues with concussions. The B's recently welcomed back Frank Vatrano from a foot injury, only to lose a physical two-way veteran in Backes, who was hurt on a questionable hit from Sabres winger William Carrier (hand) in Thursday's game.

Backes (upper body) will not play Saturday afternoon against the Sabres, Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

The fear is that Backes is concussed, but this latest report notes that the B's will find out for certain if that's the case at some point Saturday. With a matinee on tap, the B's are projected to move Frank Vatrano to the second line on the right wing with Jimmy Hayes rounding out the bottom six.

Backes, who was forced out of Thursday's win over the Sabres with an upper-body injury, was not present for practice Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Per CSN New England, the veteran power forward is day-to-day as Saturday's re-match against Buffalo approaches. With Backes not in the ice Friday Frank Vatrano skated on the Bruins' second line at practice, along with Ryan Spooner and David Krejci.

Backes exited Thursday's contest against the Sabres with an upper-body injury and will not return.

EDGE Analysis

Backes was hit hard by William Carrier early in the game and had to be helped to the locker room. The 32-year-old right winger didn't produce in a statistical category over 3:10 of ice time prior to his departure. The veteran sniper will likely be reevaluated during the Bruins' off day Friday, at which point, a timetable for his return will become more clear.

Backes lit the lamp and added an assist during Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Backes is improving as the season rolls along. After posting nine total points through November, the 32-year-old has already reached 10 in December -- four goals and six helpers. The Minnesota native has also showcased a more aggressive mindset, firing toward net 43 times. Backes is starting to look more comfortable with his new team and the results are showing.

Backes notched two assists against the Ducks on Thursday, but lost the game 4-3.

EDGE Analysis

Backes now has assists in back-to-back games and four assists in his past four games. His transition to the Bruins after spending his entire career with St. Louis has been relatively seamless, and has scored 16 points in 27 games this season to go along with his 27 PIM. An all-round power forward, Backes has more fantasy value in leagues that count peripherals such as faceoff wins and hits.