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The problem with Backlund now and in the future is his size. He's just not big enough to be a top notch shut down centre. He's not a big enough agitator to get the opposition off their game either. He's only average on faceoffs. So how is he going to shut down anyone? I don't think you can say he shut down anyone in these playoffs.

He doesn't have the offense to be a 2nd line centre and he doesn't have the physical and mental traits to be a shutdown centre. So what is he?

I really think that Colborne has much better potential to be a 3rd line shut down centre for this team going forward. He's got the size, the speed, and the skill, and in this playoffs he showed he can play with a physical edge with some beauty hits. Colborne was also a bit of an agitator in the playoffs too.

I think if you get a good offer for Backlund or if he demands too much money, you deal him. I just don't see a defined role for him to excel in.