while Backlund is not a "1B" centre like a Krejci, Carter, Monahan, or such, the fact is he's a 2nd line forward who plays second line centre very well. People need to remember he's never played a full season with a 60+ point winger - yes there have been stints with Iginla, Hudler, and Cammy but nothing resembling a "line". Is Backlund any worse at his role than a guy like Artem Anisimov is at his? IMO no and I would argue he is better. So for me, if Jankowski becomes a rich man's Backlund that is a damn effective player. I would of course prefer Jankowski become a 60 point 1A/1B centre himself - I have looked at Mikko Koivu as a not-outlandish target - but it's not a big deal if he falls short because Bennett and Monahan are pretty good themselves. If/When Janko pans out we will have an embarassment of riches down the middle and that is how cups are won.
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