Boston Bruins: David Backes expected out 3-4 weeks

BOSTON -- Veteran Boston Bruins forward David Backes is expected to miss at least the first three or four weeks of the season while receiving treatment for diverticulitis, a digestive-system ailment.

The 33-year-old Backes, who signed a five-year free-agent deal with Boston prior to last season, missed the two days of practice leading up to Thursday night's opener because of illness. He was then a scratch for the game.

The club issued a release after the first period saying Backes was being treated at Massachusetts General Hospital, under the care of team internist Dr. David Finn.

The release said Backes, who plays both center and right wing, will be re-evaluated in two weeks "but is expected to be out at least three to four weeks."