Backlund right now is probably a $5.5-6M player. The issue is, of course, is this peak Backlund? If not, New Era is right - he's Matt Stajan (who I submit played at a $3M level in his last contract year by putting up 33 points in 63 games, good for 6th on the team, and being the main defensive centre). The Flames paid him as if he'd not decline for four more years, which he proceeded to do the very first year.
Backlund is better, and 2 years younger than Stajan, but the risks are essentially the same.
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