Backes (elbow) did not travel with the Bruins for a three-game road trip that begins in Detroit on Saturday, though he could be available "at some point later on the trip."

EDGE Analysis

Backes is dealing with a condition called olecranon bursitis, which essentially is inflammation of the elbow. Informally, the condition is sometimes referred to as "Popeye's elbow" due to the bump that typically forms under the skin. The savvy winger has already been treated for the issue, and now it's just a matter of how quickly he can recover. The Bruins recalled Austin Czarnik from AHL Providence ahead of Wednesdays game, and he'll presumably stay up for as long as Backes is unfit to play.

The Bruins announced Wednesday that Backes "underwent the removal of the olecranon bursa from his elbow" on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Per the report, Backes' condition "will be updated after the weekend," which effectively rules out the forward for Wednesday's game against the Rangers, as well as Saturday's contest against the Red Wings. With Backes sidelined, the Bruins have recalled center Austin Czarnik from AHL Providence.

Backes (undisclosed injury) will miss Tuesday's game against the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

With Backes out Tuesday with what coach Claude Julien describes as a "minor issue" that leaves the forward "day-to-day," Matt Beleskey has moved up the ladder and worked with David Krejci and Danton Heinen at Tuesday's morning skate.

Backes, who appeared to bang up his right hand during a fight early in Saturday's loss to the Maple Leafs, will play Monday against the Jets. "He's fine," coach Claude Julien confirmed. "He'll be ready to go [against Winnipeg]."

EDGE Analysis

Per the Boston Herald, Backes went 6-for-21 on faceoffs Saturday, though it's unclear how long the veteran forward will man the middle for the B's, as we'd expect him to switch to the wing, once the day-to-day Patrice Bergeron returns to action. Backes, who scored two goals and added a helper in last Thursday's season opener against Columbus, did not record a point Saturday, while logging a minus-1 plus/minus rating and recording five PIM.

Backes scored two goals on three shots, added an assist and two PIM, and went plus-5 in Thursday's season-opening win over Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

That's one heck of a way to endear yourself to your new hometown fans (albeit in a road game) after 10 seasons in St. Louis. Backes stepped up into a bit of a bigger role than he'll usually play with Patrice Bergeron (lower body) out of the lineup, including shifting to center. He'll generally play on the wing once the B's typical top-line pivot returns, but Backes may get to enjoy a couple more games in this role first.

Backes centered a line with Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak at practice Wednesday, in advance of Thursday's season opener against Columbus.

EDGE Analysis

Backes' C/W versatility has already paid off, as he'll temporarily move from working on the wing on David Krejci's trio to manning the middle on the Marchand line, in place of Patrice Bergeron, who has been ruled out of Thursday's game. In any case, Backes is destined for top-six work up front for the B's, and thus remains on the fantasy radar.

Backes skated on a line with Ryan Spooner and David Krejci at practice Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

With a glut of centers, the Bruins have loaded up their second line with pivots, with Spooner working on the left side and Backes playing right wing, along with Krejci. It remains to be seen if the combo will stick, but at this stage it looks like the Bruins are inclined to stack that their top two lines, with Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak forming another skilled trio. Backes logged a 21/24/45 stat line in 79 games for the Blues last season, but he's already made a strong impression in his new uniform and is poised for a key role for Boston. If he continues to skate with a pivot as skilled as Krejci, Backes could make a run at 30 goals, a mark he hasn't hit since 2010-11.

Backes skated with David Pastrnak on Saturday and found immediate chemistry with the winger. He set up three goals, including two by Pastrnak.

EDGE Analysis

Early results on the pairing look fantastic, so watch camp closely. Backes could be just what the skinny young Pastrnak needs -- a gritty partner in crime. At 32, Backes' game is in decline, but he will provide the Bruins with an edge that was missing last season. He'll deliver 100 PIM and 200-plus hits alongside his 40-45 points. There's still value in that profile.

Backes signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins on Friday, Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backes will leave the Blues after spending his first 10 seasons in St. Louis. In Boston, he'll be the favorite for the lion's share of ice time at right wing ahead of David Pastrnak and Jimmy Hayes.

Backes has a chance to test the open market as an unrestricted free agent this summer, but he said there's "no question" that he wishes to stay with the Blues, Lou Korac of NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backes doesn't know what it's like to play for a different organization as his 10-year career has been spent exclusively with the Blues. The 32-year-old just finished out a five-year, $22.5 million deal, paying big dividends in the postseason. In the conference semifinals, facing the Stars, the two-way winger racked up eight points in seven games and scored on 30 percent of his shot attempts. He wasn't quite as electric offensively versus the Sharks in the subsequent playoff round but still managed 36 hits through seven more contests. Backes has 460 points (206 goals, 254 assists) in 727 career games and remains one of the most dependable fantasy options in the entire league. It would be interesting to see how his perceived value would trend if he ends up with another team, though we can cross that bridge if an extension cannot be reached.