Quote:
Originally Posted by Ashasx
I'm sorry, but Backlund continues to be one of the most dominant possession drivers in the league and is still by far the best on the Flames. He performs every role on this team that could be asked of him, and he does it extremely effectively. He has shown no signs of slowing down.
I don't usually say something like this, but if you don't think Backlund is worth 5x5, you have no idea what you are talking about.
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$5x5 sure. But if it's more money/term, it would be worth considering what the cost of an upgrade might look like.
Naturally, spending $4-5M more on tavares may be a pipe dream, but OBVIOUS upgrade to the roster. But that isn't to say there aren't other options out there. I really think Turris was a player they were more willing to pay $6ish a year.
Now, forgetting the UFA side of things, but look at teams that are out the playoffs who are likely looking to make drastic changes to their roster. Maybe this offseason we use one of our top5 d (hamilton, brodie, hamonic, stone) as a trade asset to fill the void of backlund. some examples (and assuming the other team sees value in getting one of our dmen):
Bufallo
O'reilly at $7.5M for 5 years (vs Backlund $6M)
Sens
Pageau at $3.1M for 2 years
Hoffman at $5.187M for 2 years (he is listed as C,LW, not sure if this is true)
Det
Nielson at $5.25M for 4 years
Mtl
shaw at $3.9M for 4 years
Just some examples.
The way i look at it, Backlund has been good, he will be the flames 3rd line center as early as next year. In my mind, that does not garner a $6M price tag. That doesn't mean there aren't alternatives or options in filling that C position elsewhere.