Mixed feelings overall, but there has to be some vets around.
With respect to the potential impact on Backlund: I like Backlund and think he will continue to develop into a very good hockey player. But I don't see how he fits into the team's plans long term. I see the future of the C position as:
top 6: Monahan and someone drafted this summer or next
bot 6: two of Knight, Colborne, Reinhart or Arnold.
Mix in wildcards of Jankowski or Granlund surprising, along with potential trades and UFAs.
Wherever I look, I see others as better fits for every potential role going forward than Backlund. As much as I like him as a player, I think his role will be to be an asset that brings back another key piece.
|