I think Backlund's two way game is pretty overrated.
Whenever I watched him he's looked like more of a drifter. Doesn't really get dirty in the corners and on the boards. Tends to leak out of the D zone waiting for the stretch pass.
In the first exhibition game against the Islanders for example he had/almost had some decent chances by playing way down ice. He had that one on one vs De Haan, and that two on one with Jokinen.
Anyway. I think Hodgson is the better prospect.
|