I'm torn as well.
I agree that you don't want to give Backlund away, but I certainly don't blame Sutter and Hartley for the fact that he hasn't seized the reigns when given a chance. He just hasn't. This team is thirsting for players to grab ice, and he's just not getting it done.
With O'Brien I think it's more that they have a fear that Breen won't make it through waivers and that decision is coming up soon. Might be better to move a guy like O'Brien and have Breen worked into the lineup so they can decide where he fits going forward.
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