With regards to Backlund, I can tell you that I personally suggested a 3-4 year deal because I have a personal thing about long term contracts. They seem like a great way to lower the AAV in a cap world, but so much can happen in 7 or 8 seasons. Injury risk, coaching changes, changing role due to new acquisitions/draft picks, trade demands - I suppose I should be able to separate that stuff from contract term and AAV. But personally, I always feel much more at ease with 3-5 year deals. Anything more than 2 years is a commitment to the player IMO. And I like the flexibility of deals that are not 6+ years.
So when I suggested offering Backlund 3-4 years, I wasn't intending a commentary on his role on the team or a desire to rid the club of his services.
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