I think if there was a cap friendly contract to be had here with Backlund it would have already happened.
Janko's development trajectory make it really tough to get excited about signing Backlund at market value. I think he is great and would love to see Backlund stay here until his playing is over, but maybe that doesn't work.
There would likely be a serious bidding war for Backlund as a rental for a contender if Flames are out come trade deadline. Guys like Crosby talk him up.
But a bidding war is unlikely because Flames will make the playoffs. In that case its better to risk losing him for nothing post season because he would be vital in any playoff run - for offence and shut down. Plus contract year motivation.
So I doubt anything happens. It would take an exceptional hockey trade and those don't happen too often any more.
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