One thing I hadn't thought of, and I wouldn't put it past Treliving to do this, is if Flames management doesn't think the team is quite ready yet, they could sell Backlund at the deadline to recoup a 1st and 2nd round pick (maybe even more, think Hanzal trade +) and then let the season play out.
Come the off-season they can look to upgrade on Backlund as the #2 C via trade, or if by some miracle Tavares does test free agency they will have the flexibility to push all their chips in on him. Or, if none of that works out they can always circle back around to Backlund again.
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