[Sylvanfan]

What would a center like Backlund be worth as a UFA player? I would think that as a 27 year old UFA, he would be offered as much as 4.0 a year for a 3 year term, possibly more dollars and term elsewhere. So the Flames save around half a million for those two years, and pay him a bit more next year when money really is not an issue.

Also with personal tax rates going up for NHL salary players, I expect the Flames may need to start paying a bit more than they previously did. Yes these guys are millionaires, but essentially his provincial tax rate is being upped by 50% on all of his salary. So those who know the nuances of taxes for a NHL player....whats that in simple terms about 55% of his salary earned playing games in Alberta being taxed at 15% as opposed to 10%. Enough to make it 3.575 over 3.5?

Lets be honest if you have a chance to sign a UFA forward for market value at the ages of 27 and 28 you always make that choice. I'm happy with the deal. Locks down a good player and gives the team some cap flexibility going forward.