Backes to miss 8 weeks due to colon surgery

Boston Bruins forward David Backes will miss eight weeks following an upcoming surgery to remove a portion of his colon, the club announced Wednesday.

Backes missed time in October due to diverticulitis, and his upcoming procedure, scheduled for Thursday, was advised by team doctors to avoid recurrences in the future.

The 33-year-old is currently in the second season of a five-year deal signed with the Bruins in 2016. He's only appeared in five games this campaign, registering one assist.