Quote:
Originally Posted by jeremywilhelm
I sure hope Backlund can pick up his game this year. He is really underwhelming. I'm kind of dissapointed.
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Sounds like expectations were out of whack then.
Coming into the season his consistency and strength were questioned. Personally I had him pencilled in to Abbotsford long before training camp and gave him almost no chance to make the Flames.
Its not surprising to me in the slightest that he has been inconsistent in a league that is mostly composed of older, more experienced and stronger players. Dominating 16-19 year olds at age 19 doesn't necessarily mean you can step into the AHL at age 20 and dominate players in their mid-20's.
Wouldn't surprise me if Nemisz had a larger immediate impact in the pros because he's much bigger and stronger already. Backlund's a solid prospect but its as if some ppl expect him to be a franchise type player. I don't think he's that guy, and I don't think he's as far ahead of Nemisz as some believe.
I wouldn't be too worried this early into his pro career. Have a little patience with the kid or lower the immediate expectations imo. I'm expecting him to compete for a spot on the Flames next year or the year after. If he struggles this whole season and part of the next, thats when I'd start to be worried.