Quote:
Originally Posted by Heavy Jack
This deal is definitely Backs' put it all on the table deal. But his progression has followed very closely to that of Kesler's (######baggery aside as many of you have heard me say) If Backlund puts up 30 to 40 points this year and he turns into that defensive 3rd line forward for us I'd be happy with just that. If he pushes his game to where Kesler pushed it and has a break out season like Kesler did than even better. All I know is if we eventually do move on from Backlund I know a team like Detroit will be waiting in the wings (pun intended) for a player like Backlund to just fall in their hands. Babcock had high praise for his game a few years ago and I think he had very good reason to have that praise, this is Backlund's year to step up and take a bigger role and this contract is only going to help him do that.
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For the bolded part: I wonder if Feaster would be happy with that?
I do think Reinhart, Monahan and Knight will be on the team come 2014/2015 season, with Reinhart and Knight occupying bottom 6 center positions. That's a lot of "green" centers. I kind of get the feeling that if Backlund does not show he can be the #2 after this season, then they will look for a veteran top 6 center in UFA or trade. The price will be high, but i think they pony up in order to have the center youngsters learn from a veteran. Stajan is done after this year. I don't think Feaster see's him as the center mentor going forward.
I really hope Backlund makes that step, he has the talent. He seems to genuinely love Calgary and the flames. Not to mention it would not force the flames to go out and spend on a veteran.
I have to hand it to Feaster on this contract, he covered all bases. Even if the worst happens (mentioned above) and they have to trade him it will not be hard.