[wingmaker]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

No we don't. But Backlund isn't it either. But he is a very good player that would fetch a nice return for someone that we NEED.

Right now, as a 2nd line C, Stajan can't replace him. But as a 3rd line C, Stajan - and possibly Shore or Jooris or Arnold going forward - can replace him until we can get the perfect guy.

Would Stajan be as good in that role as Backlund? Probably not, but the difference isn't huge.

And if Backlund could fetch us a good young defenseman, the team is better overall.

It's not a question of not liking Backlund, it's a question of whether he fits as a 3rd line C, and how much better in that role he is over others, vs what we could get for him.

Agreed. Also, it is a question of strengths and weaknesses. Centre is actually a position of strength in the organization. Defence is not. Two of our top four defencemen are in their thirties. So how do we get a young top 4 defenceman? Probably through trade. And if you go through the roster, there are limited players that would actually fetch a high end return. Obviously Monahan, Gaudreau, and Bennett are not going anywhere. Then you move on to Backlund, Ferland, Bouma as young players other teams might go out of their way to acquire. And really Backlund is probably the most marketable and also the position the Flames are best prepared to replace.

I absolutely love Backlund but he is still an RFA and right now is value is probably as high as ever for a trade chip. If we were to go after a young defenceman with top 4 or top 2 skill, I feel like he is the cost.

Unless of course Treliving can pull of a steal by packaging other young pieces and draft picks. That would be amazing, but seems very unlikely.