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Itse · 11-13-2013, 05:09 PM

Again, stop with the lowered expectations please.

Let's say Backlund takes the realistically-hoped-for leaps offensively AND defensively, reaching about 30-35 points per season as a 3rd liner or 40-45 points as a 2nd liner, and becoming a 2-way center with a solid work ethic that truly can be used to shutdown the offensive guys of the other team with regular moderate success. That would make him a 5 years younger version of Matt Stajan almost spot on, only one inch shorter. This is his upside.

Back when we used to be a borderline playoff team, Stajan was our 3rd center, and we sucked at center.

Just look at the centers on teams that are actually playoff teams or close to it. Guys like Stastny, O'Reilly, Granlund, Perreault, Ribeiro, and of course Richards and Thornton/Pavelski. These are 2nd liners. These are guys playing at a 50-60 point pace, some way better. And seriously, even some of these guys are probably not going be good enough come playoff time.

Guys like Backlund and Stajan are centers on teams that are in the bottom of the standings.. This is why you get rid of prospects like Backlund when you are rebuilding and try to either get guys with more upside at their role, or picks.

11-13-2013, 05:09 PM	#91
Itse Franchise Player Join Date: May 2004 Location: Helsinki, Finland Exp:	Again, stop with the lowered expectations please. Let's say Backlund takes the realistically-hoped-for leaps offensively AND defensively, reaching about 30-35 points per season as a 3rd liner or 40-45 points as a 2nd liner, and becoming a 2-way center with a solid work ethic that truly can be used to shutdown the offensive guys of the other team with regular moderate success. That would make him a 5 years younger version of Matt Stajan almost spot on, only one inch shorter. This is his upside. Back when we used to be a borderline playoff team, Stajan was our 3rd center, and we sucked at center. Just look at the centers on teams that are actually playoff teams or close to it. Guys like Stastny, O'Reilly, Granlund, Perreault, Ribeiro, and of course Richards and Thornton/Pavelski. These are 2nd liners. These are guys playing at a 50-60 point pace, some way better. And seriously, even some of these guys are probably not going be good enough come playoff time. Guys like Backlund and Stajan are centers on teams that are in the bottom of the standings.. This is why you get rid of prospects like Backlund when you are rebuilding and try to either get guys with more upside at their role, or picks.