Backes has had a tough season, unfortunately highlighted by missing eight weeks after having surgery to remove a portion of his colon. The 33 year old had been bothered by diverticulitis and had only played in five games before having the surgery.
The forward got touched by some bad luck again when he was cut from a skate on his leg on March 17th against the Tampa Bay Lightning. He luckily didn't need any surgery, but still received 18 stitches to sew up the cut.
Past Bruins winners of the trophy include Charlie Simmer (1986), Gord Kluzak (1990), Cam Neely (1994) and Phil Kessel (2007).
