Quoting: palhal
The buyout period is over for this season. Bury him? Yea that's an option thought it doesn't save Bruins any money. Only Backes knows if he would prefer one year in Ottawa or one year in Providence. His family might have the say. But by this post, which includes the 6m Backes the Bruins have 2.9m in cap space. Give McAvoy a raise of 1.5m to 7.5m you might get him for six years, though have to determine how long Miller and Moore are on LTIR.
Backes is not the same as Marleau. Not even close.
Marleau is the one with the very restrictive NTC. A Full NTC in which he said, he will not play for anyone but Tor or SJ.
Backes list is only 8 teams for this year, but switches to 15 next season.
The Bruins don't need the money like Toronto did/does. They moved out quite a bit and still might not have enough for Marner. The Bruins either already do, or can easily get there by moving what most would consider non-essential pieces (Miller, Moore, Halak) . They are not as desperate. Plain and simple. Evereyone knew Toronto needed to do something to protect themselves from Offer sheets. Not just Marner, but all of their RFA's - if Kapanen or Johnsson got offers for 4m (2nd rd pick comp.) It's 1.5m more than they spent on them.
Backes also isn't 40, he is 35. You and I might not think he can play anymore, but he might. No, the monetary savings for putting him in providence wouldn't really help the Bruins, but it would certainly motivate Backes, especially if he thinks he has another year or two left after his current contract. I can't imagine Riding buses and sleeping in Non NHL quality hotels is what he is looking for at this stage of his career. I am sure he would love the hour so drive to and from Providence every day.
There are plenty of teams who would have loved to have Marleau because of his leadership, problem is everyone knew his deal.
Also very important fact is the real money. Which is very important to some teams and owners.
OR the Bruins simply buy him out next season. it's not worth their picks, or young assets. They don't need to do it. They have enough money. If they don't. They could easily move some pieces and get something back in return.