The Flames actually need to be better at defending since they're bottom 5 in goals against. The offense is doing ok ranked 11th, so losing Hudler might hurt, but I'm betting that some of our prospects are ready to step up and do more next year (might be Laine or Puljujarvi too).
Trading Backlund, who is probably our best defensive center, would likely do more harm than good at this point. We don't really have enough players who can handle the defensive zone at center yet, so until we do, Backlund is likely an indispensable commodity. He adds enough offense to be an adequate 2nd line center, better suited to 3rd line duties.
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"You know, that's kinda why I came here, to show that I don't suck that much" ~ Devin Cooley, Professional Goaltender
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