What do you do in the following situations if Backlund doesn't sign an extension by the trade deadline?
1. Flames are battling for top spot in the division.
2. Flames are battling for one of the wild card spots.
3. Flames are out of playoff contention.
If it's the #1 scenario I think you have to keep him and hope you can re-sign him after the playoffs. Can't trade your #1 or #2 center if you have a good chance for the cup. In the other scenarios I would trade him, because the chances of a cup are much lower and Backlund should return a ton at the trade deadline.