Backes (elbow) has been skating and could be ready to play as soon as Saturday's game against the Rangers, the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The veteran forward has missed five games since undergoing a procedure on his elbow, but it looks as though he's nearing a return, at which time he'll presumably reclaim a top six role up front with the B's. Prior to being sidelined, Backes had notched two goals, four points, 11 PIM and a plus-5 rating over five contests out of the gate.