I like how black and white everything has to be. If the Flames were to make this rumoured deal, were back to spinning tires trying to win now.
I'm not actually jazzed about Spezza, but the rumoured deal would actually basically move out a veterans that is already on the team out (Hudler and Wideman) in replacement for a veteran at center, a position where we have a lot more room to accomodate a veteran contact then we do on the wing and at D given where our prospects are deepest.
What we give up is whatever Backlund's potential upside is as he's entering the prime of his career versus Spezza who's playing out the last few years of his. If you think Backlund's a budding star, you'd probably hate this deal, if you think Backlund is going to be at best what he showed he was last year, a good third line center that can be serviced at the 2 spot in a pinch....... Then deal is at least interesting given what Monahan showed last year and with hope for Grandlund.
Anyway, I doubt it's even an option, but I don't think a move like the one proposed means anything as drastic as some would think.
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