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 commencement of the 2017–18 period, Backes was afflicted with diverticulitis and missed the first five regular-season games. Nevertheless, he regained his ability by October 19, when he played in a home contest against the Vancouver Canucks.