Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
His play last season certainly indicated to me personally that he has second line upside. He played up to and past the levels of Berglund, Kopitar, Read, Ryan etc.. during the lockout, and then continued on to the NHL with a .5 PPG pace playing in a somewhat limited offensive role. I don't see that same confidence in his game at the moment, but that is to be expected with the way he has been handled as of late.
I don't think it's a stretch to say he has 50 point upside after his showing last year, but again opportunity is everything. Some players find that niche within an organization, and some don't.
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I thought he benefited from a few hot games with Iginla and Tanguay doing the heavy lifting in a style that was 100% balls out. But watching him actually play he showed limited natural offensive ability and really poor finishing ability.
I think Backlund could be a 2nd line guy and get 50 points on a bad team getting force fed top minutes and lots of PP. Similar to a Matt Stajan when on those bad TO teams or a Kyle Wellwood on the Jets/Leafs non-play-off teams.
For everyone worried about him going to Detroit and excelling. There is no way he is cracking their top 6 or getting PP time with them. They have talented players to fill those roles and guys with more offensive talent than Backlund waiting for their chance.