[united]

I appreciate Backlund as a process over counting results type of guy, which isn't flashy. He doesn't cheat the game in any zone in any way and that will cost him some points every season. Excellent forecheck angles, great in the neutral zone, great in his own end often against bigger centres, great penalty killer. Sure his individual offence leaves something to be desired, but having a guy like him in the C3 slot on a good team is a good luxury to have going forward. Leave him Getzlaf, Thornton, Kopitar, while Monahan and Bennett dominate the other lines' centres.

He may not score piles of points, but his line will consistently outscore the opposition, which is all that matters. I'll take a 40-point producer who outscores the opposition over a Kesler who puts up 55 but is in the red year after year. Backlund could do with a little more one-on-one creativity - outside of his off-wing Fedorov, which he has mastered, he doesn't have much. Not sure if he ever will.

And to add to it Backlund is one of the guys who isn't just going through the motions as a professional athlete, he truly bleeds the Flames and loves the city of Calgary. Having a guy who despises the Oilers and Canucks is a big check in my books. Plus he's great in the community and puts a ton of time into charitable causes.