Quote:
Originally Posted by FAN
I don't see Backlund as a solution at all. I will wait for him to prove me wrong. Right now I see him as unproven and injury-prone who has consistently looked better than his production. He may or may not put it together but right now Backlund is the type of young player that nonplayoff teams spend years developing only to later trade them away because he can't help the team take the next step. I say don't be fooled by whatever puck possession numbers Backlund puts up.
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I see Backlund's development in the Marcus Naslund-type, Swedish 'have patience' sense. It took about 5 years for Naslund to start putting up good numbers, but he looked very promising on the ice before that. Pittsburgh gave up on him too soon but Vancouver was patient & he ended up being a serious pain in the arse to play against & put up massive points. The Sedins took about 5 years to really hit their stride as well. I expect Backs to come through for us next year, but on a slightly less prolific level. I think he projects to be a 50-60 point 2nd line centre.
Can't complain about Backlund's play this year at all. I think he's looked much stronger & more confident. That Hudler/Backs/Comeau line looks really good, strangely enough! Unlucky with injuries though. The protective cast could just be a precaution so no need to panic...