Quote:
Originally Posted by Finger Cookin
The Flames have good role models up front in Stajan and Jones who demonstrate how to be professionals and play the role you're given without making a fuss. Backlund's also been a pro long enough that, if Jankowski is ready to play as an every day center in the NHL in 2 seasons, he could slide down to being a 3b (I would expect him to still get important ice time in the third periods of games and on the PK) and still go about his business.
After not having centers for so long, I am thrilled the Flames have actual depth at the position and I hope they do everything possible to keep that depth. It would be great in two seasons time (17-18 season) to have a 28 year old Backlund as an option to press the other three centers (Monahan 23, Jankowski 23, Bennett 21) to keep their play at a high level and earn their minutes night in and night out.
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Stajan and Jones are on the downward curve of their career, though, while Backlund is not. And Stajan's skill set is very suited for a 4th line role. And I say this as one of the biggest Stajan supporters this year. Plus Jones was on the second line, not the 4th.
I am just saying it's unlikely that Backlund would be used as a 4th line centre. He'd be more valuable as a trade asset if that was the only spot for him on this team.