Buy as many UFA years as you can for cheap. Backlund's good advanced stats will only stay a secret for so long and the league will catch on to the fact he'd be a good value signing. He's the type of unheralded player that helps you win a championship. Think Jarret Stoll, or Dave Bolland, but better offensive skills. He's an excellent 3rd line center or a solid 2nd line center, no doubts about that anymore. Plus, the added benefit of signing a longer term deal at a lower rate means that in the event he doesn't fit in the team's plans, or there's a better, younger prospect that can play for cheaper, it wouldn't be hard to trade him for a nice return. I honestly think that if he finishes the year strong, a contract of 5 years for $4 million/yr. would be prudent. That would take him to 30 at a pretty solid price point. Just don't include a NTC.
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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