Players like Backlund will always serve a purpose on a team. Even if he starts to score less as age goes, he will still be serviceable. His defensive awareness and ability to make those around him better is his key. He has shown the ability to make even the less talented or raw rookies look NHL ready.
Speed isn't his forte, but rather his positional and hockey iq. You cant teach that. Jankowski still could be a bust, we don't know that for sure. Best to sign Backlund. He should have an A.
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