[Matty81]

I think the flames should move him regardless of their position in the standings if they are going to let him walk.

They need to be in the business of building a contender which is about more than one season unless your tean is top 3-5 in the league already.

Trade him for assets and swing those for a new 3rd line centre next month if you decide he is a goner even if its a slight downgrade.

But I think Treliving would be an idiot to put himself in that scenario anyway. Just resign Backlund at the best price you can negiotiate and even if he doesnt fit... Trade him signed over the next year. They can afford any deal for 18 months which gives them lots of time to find a good trade.. Also gives them another year of backlund potentially.