Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
Your post seems to imply a rebuild of the rebuild, in which case Backlund would be the perfect veteran to have on the team to ensure the young players aren't thrown to the wolves.
If you aren't implying a rebuild of a rebuild, and instead attempting to win with this current core, Backlund is still the perfect player to have because absolutely nobody else on this team could attempt to do what he does and hold their heads above water.
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My posts were actually in response to one by a poster who was just flabbergasted that Backlund could be traded. Honestly, I think "what to do with Backlund" is one of the most interesting and difficult things this management group has had to contemplate since this rebuild began. From my perspective, I honestly have no idea what I'd like them to do, I just don't think contemplating trading him, is rediculous.
That said, I think you last paragraph isn't totally accurate. Clearly you like the player (as do I) and just can't fathom him not being around. Moving Backlund does not represent a rebuild of a rebuild. Why, because he's not a core player to this current rebuild, he's too old. I agree he's the perfect player to have around as our core is young (he's showing it this year why he is) as he makes us competitive and as you pointed out, can help shelter our young centers from tough minutes.
That doesn't change the fact that his contract is up at the end of next year and he will be 29. A good 6 years older than most of the other players who are the core. Backlund is peaking now, our other best players will be peaking later, something has to give.
Not to mention, that at some point the Flames need to make a decision on who we are going to invest in at Center. We will not be able to invest in all 3 of Monahan, Bennett and Backlund over the course of the next 5 years and build a balanced winner. Again, something has to give.
I'm not saying Backlund has to be the one that goes. But there is no scenario that exists where the Flames can keep Monahan, Bennett and Backlund, if all three players are playing like we hope. Bennett is going to buy us a little time given he's likely not earned anything beyond a bridge deal. But the Flames are going to have to decide which ponies at center they are backing (clearly they've already chosen Monahan) and will need to know before Backlund's contract is up next year, and sooner if they potentially want to maximize any return value on either him or Bennett, and they are likely going to need to make that decision before Bennett makes the decision easy for us (one way or another), meaning it will be a gamble.
Backlund is the easy one in my mind to say move, because he's likely never going to be playing better, and he's older than the other two. But that doesn't mean it's the right thing. Very, very hard decisions coming up for BT, Burke or whoever.