At the beginning of the 2017–18 season, Backes had been diagnosed with a diverticulitis infection, and missed the first five games of the regular season, but was able to play again by October 19, the night of a home game against the Vancouver Canucks.
At the start of the 2017–18 season, Backes had contracted a diverticulitis infection, and was unable to participate in the first five regular-season games, but regained fitness by October 19, the evening of a home match against the Vancouver Canucks.