Quote:
Originally Posted by browna
I listened to the full Treliving interview from garbage bag day in the car later that night. He was asked about RFA's, and he was more guarded in his words about Backlund than certianly Bouma, whom he gushed about.
I think Backlund's going to want to get paid like a second liner, when he's barely that (outside of faceoffs) on this team. The Flames have been pretty patient with him over the years, but the constant injuries, and production (especially the 2nd PP unit which he was a part of, that didn't score on the PP for the last 3 months) doesn't quite match 2nd line numbers or pay.
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For the most part, Backlund is a second liner at the NHL and it's hard to argue otherwise.
His pro-rated PPG this year is good for 44 points, which would place him on the cusp of the top 100 forwards in the league. His point totals from last year put him at within the top 130-ish forward. Both years put him squarely within second line territory.
He has good possession numbers and two-way play, seems to be turning into a pretty good leader on the Flames, and competently logs first/second line TOI. Not to mention he's a good skater with above average speed, has above average hands, good hockey sense, and generally has an above average skill set outside of his terrible shot.
Here are some comparable contracts signed within the past two years:
Tyler Bozak - $4.2 million aav signed when he was coming off of a 49 point season (pro-rated)
Brooks Laich - $4.5 million aav signed when he was coming off of a 41 point season
Brandon Dubinsky - $4.2 million aav signed when he was coming off of a 34 point season
Kyle Turris - $3.5 million aav signed when he was coming off of a 50 point season (pro-rated)
Mike Fisher - $4.2 million aav signed when he was coming off of a 45 point season (pro-rated)
You guys are out to lunch if you don't think Backlund's fair market value isn't $4 million. If the Flames can sign him to a $3.5 million aav contract similar to Montreal's Eller, that would be great