Backlund has been at a pretty high level for about 5 years now.
Pro-rated for 82 games he has been on pace for 42, 42, 47, & 53 points the last 4 seasons and is on pace for 46 points this season.
So he has been pretty consistent going on 5 seasons now, the only concern prior to the last two seasons has always been his health and at time his consistency but he has overcome those issues recently.
The concern moving forward with Backlund is that he is going to be 29 1/2 by this time his new contract comes into effect, and you rarely win by paying for past production for players over 30.
The thing is this team is in win now mode, and short of being able to add Tavares, there aren't really a lot of options internally or in free agency to replace Backlund. So really if you have to overpay a little bit it's not the end of the world, just don't give him too much term.
Stay around 5 years, and between $25-$28M there should be a fit for both sides here.
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