I think that given the kind of player he is (doesn't light the league on fire offensively), Backlund will always be undervalued around the league. If we decide to trade him next season because we figure we won't have room to re-sign him, I don't see us getting much more than a really late 1st round pick, if that. That's not worth giving up Backlund to me considering his impact as a whole on this team.
I also think the cost to re-sign Backlund will be less than his actual value. He loves the Flames more than any other player on the team. If that means we have to move out contracts to keep him, I do it. If it means we have to give up some draft picks to get out of Brouwer's contract, I do it. He just means too much to this team.
The moment you trade Backlund is the same moment you want him back.
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