The decision was certainly bold; the Boston Bruins, as many other NHL teams do, pride themselves on making decisions that hold veteran players, such as David Backes in higher regard that asking them to ride the buses.
It’s obvious it’s a decision the Boston Bruins didn’t want to make as it openly admits their failings in offering him a $6 million per year contract back in 2016. The sheer fact it didn’t occur before now shows how little they wanted to do it.
Fact is David Backes hasn’t lived up to expectations with the team and the Boston Bruins needed the space on the roster.