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IgiTang · 03-17-2016, 04:32 PM

I believe we are only now seeing the developed Mikael Backlund.

He's always been solid in his own end at every level. His upside was to potentially posses high-skill potential offensively, however very raw.

His will to play a physical game for Vestaras in Swe-1 league after he was drafted, was evident. But it was a much smaller league and he had size for a u-20 and could skate. I'm not saying he was overly physical, but he didn't shy away from it.

When he came to N.America and played for Kelowna, he used his physicality and was a stud for the Rockets, 12 Goals, 30 Points in 28 games 26 Pims. Only real knock for me at the time was when he did an interview on the fan saying "I'm very excited to be a Flamer". True words *face Palm*

When he came to the Flames, he started getting injured because he tried playing the same type of game against men. Much larger men.

iirc, he had a shoulder injury and missed half of his first season. Another major injury, a few games here and there and then a lock-out.

He has now matured physically, has not let his blue-collar work ethic slip, has shown some great stick, hands,and skating skill and rounding out his play making ability.

He has always carried a bit of a nastiness to him too.

Clearly, I really like how Backlund is coming along.

Gonna be interesting to see if he can remain healthy and continue his consistent growth.

Question I have, how does he match up against other NHL'ers from his draft year and has he had the most games missed due to injury from anyone in the first round of that year?

Imagine if he had.. Hed be a full year further along in his development. He's 27 years old and shows some great characteristic's.

I think he could be this teams Stephane Yelle in terms of leadership and effort while not afraid to get his nose dirty while remaining responsible in his own end. With much higher offensive upside.

03-17-2016, 04:32 PM	#152
IgiTang Self-Retired Join Date: Oct 2006 Exp:	I believe we are only now seeing the developed Mikael Backlund. He's always been solid in his own end at every level. His upside was to potentially posses high-skill potential offensively, however very raw. His will to play a physical game for Vestaras in Swe-1 league after he was drafted, was evident. But it was a much smaller league and he had size for a u-20 and could skate. I'm not saying he was overly physical, but he didn't shy away from it. When he came to N.America and played for Kelowna, he used his physicality and was a stud for the Rockets, 12 Goals, 30 Points in 28 games 26 Pims. Only real knock for me at the time was when he did an interview on the fan saying "I'm very excited to be a Flamer". True words face Palm When he came to the Flames, he started getting injured because he tried playing the same type of game against men. Much larger men. iirc, he had a shoulder injury and missed half of his first season. Another major injury, a few games here and there and then a lock-out. He has now matured physically, has not let his blue-collar work ethic slip, has shown some great stick, hands,and skating skill and rounding out his play making ability. He has always carried a bit of a nastiness to him too. Clearly, I really like how Backlund is coming along. Gonna be interesting to see if he can remain healthy and continue his consistent growth. Question I have, how does he match up against other NHL'ers from his draft year and has he had the most games missed due to injury from anyone in the first round of that year? Imagine if he had.. Hed be a full year further along in his development. He's 27 years old and shows some great characteristic's. I think he could be this teams Stephane Yelle in terms of leadership and effort while not afraid to get his nose dirty while remaining responsible in his own end. With much higher offensive upside. Last edited by IgiTang; 03-17-2016 at 04:37 PM.