Our center position still needs something more. I'm not sold on Monahan being able to not only handle, but excel in a 1st line center slot in this league. He may be better suited to a second line role. If that's the case, then we still have a vacancy there that needs to be filled on our way to (hopefully) competing for a championship. Someone who can handle the top role. Monahan may become that, but I'd feel far safer having the likes of BOTH Monahan and Reinhart, say, working towards occupying that spot, and doing well for us there. Center is the position you Want to have depth issues with, because as people have said many times, centers can always be bumped to the wing. And to have a true 1-2 punch is essential, I believe, to a top team.
Backlund to me would be an outstanding 3rd line center for any team, with a chance of upgrading to a second line role in the future. But he's a surefire third. I still think you can have a more skilled guy ahead for him for the 2nd slot though, despite how consistent and great of a 2-way center he's becoming. I see Backlund producing little better than at a .5 PPG rate in his career. I think you'd want someone with a little more output on your second line. He's been fantastic though, don't get me wrong.
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