Quote:
Originally Posted by dying4acup
Assuming Backlund stays healthy, I project him to be a 40-45point, 15-20goal scorer.
I said earlier in this thread I would like to see a 3yr contract for 6-8M(total). But it might take 10M to get it done. At his age I don't think he's in his prime yet. And I really do think he could be a flame when they turn the corner.
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Backlund is starting to remind me a lot of Ryan Callahan, who is currently seeking a $42 M contract over 6 years for his 40-50 points per year and playing a strong defensive game despite being a little small. Callahan is 28 years old and coming off a 3 year deal at $4 M per year and is now commanding a lot more (mostly because he scores quite a few goals over assists). If Backlund finishes the year strong he give the Flames a reason to lock him up long term. If he plays well through the first half of next year as well, I think you would be foolish not to lock him up for 7 years at $3-4 M per year. That way he won't pull a Callahan and ransom the team long term. At the very least he has a tradeable contract if we need to move him in 3-4 years to make room for one of our top prospects.
If I'm Burke or the new GM I have time to think about what to do with Backlund, but not forever. He's incredibly cheap right now at $1.5 M for what he does. He's going to be due for a significant raise next year sometime.