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Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
So being more successful at a younger age and being trusted with more NHL games means he wouldn't fit the bill...that is wrong. Size is the only aspect there that is really relevant.
Plus issue with Backlund this season though hasn't been his 200ft play, that has been fine. He continues to drive possession, play a strong 200ft game, and is much stronger physically this year.
The issue has been they expect him to generate more offense this season and he hasn't taken that step. They are being hard on him because they think he has that aspect to his game (see the game this weekend) and are trying to find a way to help him harness it on a more consistent basis.
The other reason you don't trade Backlund right now is his value to the team is much higher then it would be to the rest of the league. Why trade him if you are only going to get a 2nd or 3rd round pick, his value to the team and overall potential is still much higher then that.
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The issue is that he is and always has been, soft on the puck. The stats say he's 6 ft and 198 lbs but he sure doesn't play like it. He's a 3rd /4th line center and will always be that. The league is full of them. The Flames are full of them.
I think if the Flames could get a 2nd round pick for him they would jump on it in a heartbeat. The only reason Knight is in Abby and Backlund isn't is because Knight has a two way contract and Backlund doesn't.