Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
It really surprises me that people are attaching the word immovable to Bouma and Ferland (though players I really like), but not Backlund.
|
It's because we're a small team that has loads of depth down the middle, it's nothing against Backlund as a player. Bouma and Ferland are unique players for this team in that they are big, can hit and add some scoring. No other player offers this on the current roster besides Colborne and Jones (and they are much less physical).
Personally I think Backlund OR Stajan should go as soon as Bennett is ready to take over the 2nd line center spot. Can't have both Backlund and Stajan on the team long term, especially if Shore, Arnold or Jankowski make the team by 16/17 or sooner in Shore's case. It will probably come down to which player management prefers as a 3rd/4th line center, or maybe they keep Backlund as move him to the wing in a depth role.
Backlund is very good defensively, but I'm not sure that's going to be enough to keep him here long term, given his very pedestrian offensive abilities. It's a classic numbers game scenario, and it's a good problem to have. We are just not used to this as Flames fans, but it's basically business as usual for any successful team. Good players have to be moved to make room for other good players that fit the team better.