Bruins' Backes expected out 3-4 weeks with diverticulitis

Boston Bruins forward David Backes is expected to miss three to four weeks with diverticulitis, the team announced Thursday.

Backes will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, but the ailment is expected to keep him out longer.

The 33-year-old is entering the second year of a five-year, $30-million contract and is coming off his first season with the Bruins in which he scored 17 goals and 38 points in 74 games.