[return to the red]

I've always been really high on Backlund since the Flames drafted him. He just seemed to have a maturity about his game at the junior level that was all-around.

It may have taken him years to come to his full potential but the Flames didn't exactly have the pieces to utilize him correctly. Completely humble guy in his contract negotiations and wouldn't be surprised to see him give the Flames a home town discount.

He seems to be one of those genuine guys who really loves the team he plays for and unless it's leaving on the Flames terms, he doesn't want to be anywhere else but in Calgary.

I could be completely wrong on the above but the Flames need to keep him in the fold for a long time ala Stajan