You only move Backlund if someone is going to pay over the odds. You want a cost-controlled asset to address a weakness in this team, who is also safe from the expansion draft. Not a pick from a playoff team, which will end up in the 20-30 range, not a veteran guy who adds money (because in that case, you extend Backlund). You are tempted by a deal including Matt Murray, for example, as he addresses a weakness (Goaltending), would be protected in expansion, and is cost-controlled. If you want to add a top 4 D, wait until after the dust settles on expansion
If the Flames have Bennett on a bridge contract and give more money to Backlund, you can look at the forward corps in a couple of years. Bennett has pushed Backlund down depth chart - you either roll with 3 big centres or make a trade. Bennett ends up moved to wing, then you have both in your top 6. This is a good problem to have.
Just because a player has value, doesn't mean you should trade him. Unless you know he wants out, and as a guy who has played his whole career to date here and has been developed by the Flames, he has shown nothing to date that he wants to leave. He likely wants to get paid, so if you are the Flames, you step up and pay him - he's worth it.
This team went through the Iginla era crying out for good centres, now that we have a lot of potential at this position, the most important skater, we want to cash that in? Some people need to give their heads a shake!
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