Again, it depends on many factors imo. How much term and salary does he want? How much does Sam Bennett and Mark Jankowski improve this year and where does the club see them fitting in? BT has said he has had initial talks with Backlund's agent while also preaching that Bennett will not be moved to the wing nor will Jankowski. I think the Flames are covering their bases in case Backlund's ask is too high. Keep in mind there are some key contracts coming up that will increase the team payroll by quite a bit and there has to be enough money to go around. I also strongly disagree with the OP saying he is our most important forward. I would rather keep Monahan, Gaudreau, Tkachuk, and Bennett whom I think has a huge upside over Backlund. Even if he will sign for $5M AVV you then pretty much have to deal one of Bennett or Janko as there will be no room for one of them. It is a tough situation indeed. Ideally for me going forward you have Bennett, Monahan, Backlund, and Janko down the middle but I am not sure that is realistic.
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