Quote:
Originally Posted by Notorious Honey Badger
Wow. Apparently Backlund is a very touchy nerve around these parts.
I'm not the one who over rated Backlund and expected him to produce as a top line centre, that was the the Calgary Flames coaching staff (heard many times on the radio). He was projected to play 1st line centre minutes and produce at that level and he's had 4 goals this year (thereabouts).
If he comes back next year and lights it up then sure, come back and call me stupid. But he's on the fast track to being moved out of Calgary as a reclamation project. Resort to name calling if it makes you feel better.
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I just don't understand this perspective. Have you forgotten that this is Backlund's second full season in the NHL and it has been an injury ravaged one at that? Do you recall that he played in the Youngstars pre-season tournament? This isn't a veteran we're talking about. He's not Gilbert Brule yet... let's see what he can do with a healthy season and a more offensive role.
He's a late first round pick that has shown some very good things in fits and starts, then followed it up with unimpressive bouts. Even during the course of this disappointing season, the coaches have challenged him with more difficult minutes/opposition.
Personally, I'm excited to see what a Baertschi-Backlund-Cammalleri line can do next season.
Baertschi: He's awesome. So excited to see how his career plays out. He's got star written all over him. The swagger to believe he can excel combined with the humility to know that he still has much to learn... most exciting Flames prospect in ages.