Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Bozek
Button felt they rushed him into the North American game, IIRC, and that another year in Sweden would have served him better
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Maybe that's the reason he hasn't been offered another NHL GM's job since the Flames canned him.
From what I remember, Backlund was struggling in Sweden that season prior to the World Jrs and wasn't getting a lot of ice time, which is why Sutter convinced him to come over. Then, he went to Kelowna and had more than a point-per-game and helped lead the Rockets to the Memorial Cup, including being the top goal scorer through the WHL playoffs.
Whatever struggles he has had in the NHL, it's hard to blame them on bringing him over early.