[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by IgiTang

What we all prefer or want is irrelevant... Backlund is gonna get paid. Both in term and money, from the Flames or someone else. The Flames cannot afford to try and "Paul Byron" him to avoid arbitration. Backs will get paid in arbitration.

Last year had 18 goals and 21 assists for 39 pts in 76 games. He is gradually increasing his ppg every year. He has ALWAYS had a solid 2-way game and is PROVEN against other teams top competition. Not beating the other teams top guys necessarily, but has not been made to look silly in the least.

Some notable Centers within the same point range - not necessarily same age.

CMikael BacklundCGY 76 18 21 39 +4 ATOI 18:32

CMike RichardsLA 82 11 30 41 -6 ATOI 16:58

CJordan StaalCAR 82 15 25 40 +2 ATOI 18:56

CVincent LecavalierPHI 69 20 17 37 -16 ATOI 15:11

CRJ UmbergerCLB 74 18 16 34 -3 ATOI 16:10

CSam GagnerEDM 67 10 27 37 -29 ATOI 18:22

And for fun

CRyan KeslerVAN 77 25 18 43 -15 ATOI 21:48

To think Backs is walking away with anything less than $4-$4.5/per is dreaming. He has already taken 2 "show me what you can do" contracts. And he is showing it.
If he improves on his totals from last year and breaks 20 goals, hes getting $5M+ from someone. If Calgary offered Backs $4.5 over 4 years, that would be GOOD VALUE! All i hope for is that there is NO NTC/NMC.

Those are all the most expensive guys near his production and most of them are vastly under performing.

Artem Anisimov has had a more consistent production and has a cap hit of $3.3.

Matt Cullen $3.5 million

Andrew Cogliano $3 million.

Matthew Perreault just got $3 million.


$3.5 would be the high end.