Backes (elbow) appears to be making progress in his injury rehab. "Backes is starting to skate today," coach Claude Julien said Wednesday. "He was cleared yesterday, so everybody's on track right now & heading in the right direction."

EDGE Analysis

Backes is currently on injured reserve, but early signs point to the veteran winger returning for Saturday's home contest against the Rangers. After spending his first 10 seasons in St. Louis, Backes has made a seamless transition to Boston, scoring two goals and four points with a plus-11 rating in just five games. Rookie Austin Czarnik is taking Backes' latest spot on the second line right wing in the meantime.