I like Backlund, but to me, he's a defensive specialist with a lesser degree of offense.
I think the trend in the nhl is going to be more about players capable of generating offence, especially at the forward position. I also think salary allocation will trend similarly, if it hasn't already, in the sense that, teams will pay more for offense. What's the last team to give a defensive forward big contracts, that haven't regretted it?
I like Backlund, I think he's great at doing a lot of little things that don't receive a lot of fan fare. Unfortunately, I don't believe he's been a great offence generator, something I think he'll likely regress in even further over this lengthy term of contract.
Anyways, congrats to him. It's becoming increasingly important that the flames do some real damage and progress into a contender in the next few seasons.
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