Quote:
Originally Posted by Owen15
I wonder if this is actually a precursor to Backlund getting moved.
Jones is a better 4th line center than Backlund or Colborne
Colborne is a better 3rd line center than Backlund.
Stajan/Monahan 1/2
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I've been thinking that as well. Backlund really hasn't played poorly, but I think he has been surpassed as a player with long term potential in Calgary. I think he would be a very good fit on several other teams, especially those looking to make improvements elsewhere in the lineup and not take a step backwards. Something along the lines of Backlund in a swap for Schenn out of Philadelphia. I think we have add something substantial to make that happen, and probably eat a contract, but it could be something of interest for Philly. Say something along the lines of Schenn, Schenn and Straka for Baertschi, Backlund and Butler. I hate the thought of losing Baertschi, but the idea of having Monahan, Schenn, Colborne, and Knight as your centers makes me think that would be an outstanding position to be in for the next decade.
Another target could be Tampa where they are on the edge of falling out of the playoff picture after a great start. They really need to find a couple of bodies that can step in and contribute. Backlund would be a solid fit in the middle for them and we could give them some cap relief. We would get Connolly or Panik but eat Purcell's contract. We'd likely have to ship them a RW to fill in, which means Backlund and Stempniak for Connolly/Panik and Purcell. Tampa might have to kick in a sweetener, like Dylan Blujus, a big right handed defenseman, but I think the potential is there considering their position. It is nice to have both the cap space and the contract flexibility to make some of the imbalanced deals.