[Poe969]

The only way they can move him is if they have a backup plan in place...and probably a backup for the backup. Unless he wants too big of a contract. I agree with those that say it would create a hole in the lineup, the team would need someone to step up and there aren't a lot of candidates ready for a top 9 spot.

I'm all for keeping him if his contract demands are reasonable. I'm all for trading him if they have a plan for someone else to fill that spot. I'm also all for trading him if someone made an offer the Flames couldn't refuse but it would have to be massive and lets face it, I don't think there are a ton of teams lining up to overpay for Backlund.

I just really hate that the main reason to keep Backlund is because there aren't any other options. In a dream scenario I don't think he's on the team (and this is not realistic at all...) Tavares as the first line, Monahan as the second line and Janko on the third with a prospect or affordable UFA on the fourth. If the team can somehow get a second "high end" center it would force Backlund off the team...unless the team trades for a high end center and uses Janko in the trade and Backlund signs for a very reasonable deal to be on the third.

I'd like to have Backlund on the team if everything lined up properly but I agree that he's a guy who the team could move on from if the right player came along.