[Vinny01]

When I look at the Flames I see a team that needs a stop gap legit number 1 goalie, a top line RW and a solid number 4 Dman. One refreshing part of this rebuild for the Flames they are stacked up the middle. Monahan will enter his 5th season next year and while only turning 23 is a veteran in the league. Sam Bennett has taken steps to be a better player defensively and has the ability to be a top 6, maybe top line centre and he is 21 entering his third season. Top prospect Mark Jankowski has been an impressive rookie and by all accounts is likely going to get a long look next year. 23 years old big body playing as our top line centre in the AHL.

Mikeal Backlund was drafted by the Flames 10 years ago and has really played well in the first 2 years of his 3 year deal. He has been healthy which was a problem early in his career. He is confident and you can see he makes plays now that he wouldn't have made 3-4 years ago. His 2 way ability is top notch and he should have been a Selke nominee this year.

Backlund is 28 years old entering the final season of his contract that pays him just north of $3.5M per season. He certainly is due a raise and could get a long term deal if he hits the market. With Monahan and Bennett the organizations long term hopes for the top 2 lines having a $5M+ 3rd line centre is a luxury they may not be able to afford (considering wingers Gaudreau and eventually Tkachuk will be paid big bucks). The organization appears to be committed to keeping Bennett at centre and Jankowski is coming so is there room to sign a 29 year old to a 5-6 year deal around $5M per?

The Flames have traded their 2nd rounder this year (Lazar is another centre option if Jankowski is not ready). They lack the assets to really improve their team in terms of trade. I am not sure they have the cap space to sign Bishop, Alzner, and Oshie (examples of UFA's that can solve their problems).

The fact that Jankowski is their best and most NHL ready prospect does it make sense to consider selling high on Backlund and perhaps land that top line RW?

Personally I think the Flames should set a maximum price they are willing to pay and try and sign Backlund to an extension on July 1. If he wants more money, term, or wants to see how the season goes they should shop him to fill anther need and hope internally the options are there to minimize the loss.

Risky going with 3 centres 23 or younger but Backlund is not an asset you lose for nothing and one the team should be Leary signing to big money and term