It was widely expected that David Backes would be out for the forseeable future, and now that has become a harsh reality.

On Saturday, Bruins GM Don Sweeney revealed that Backes has been diagnosed with a concussion and will be out indefinitely as part of the NHL’s concussion protocol.

Backes suffered the injury after being on the receiving end of Will Carrier’s high hit during the first period of the Bruins’ 4-2 win over the Sabres. Carrier was not disciplined for the hit but did not make the trip to Boston for the second game of the home and home due to a hand injury.

In 33 games with the Bruins, the gritty Backes has 19 points (9 goals, 10 assists) and 31 penalty minutes. Since signing with the Bruins after a decade in St. Louis, the veteran power forward has been a good staple on the second line playing mostly with David Krejci during his first year in Boston.