Quote:
Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan
Backlund provides way more value to the team than either of those players. Sometimes it's about assessing who is part of the team's motor and who isn't. Backlund is a vital piece to this team's success because he elevates everyone around him. Sure, he might regress a little skill-wise, but his hockey IQ is what makes him effective, and that won't disappear overnight.
He's definitely worth $5 million a season. The Flames would be foolish to balk at that price.
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I'm very aware of Backlund's value. If you look at the stats players like Gio, Hamilton produced their most points when on the ice with Backlund. He's clearly one of their best players base on last season's play but the issue is that he's peaking too late and is still in my mind a 3rd line center on a cup winning team and you can't overpay for that kind of player. Personally I'm of the feeling if he went to free agency he's not going to get the numbers fans here seem to think the Flames should pay him.