Backlund's offensive numbers are also hurt by his poor on-ice shooting percentage (5.5%). His last 4 years have all been between 7.5% and 9.5%, so his 5v5 scoring is about 25% lower than it should be this year just from bad bounces and missed opportunities. Add a brutal powerplay to the list and he's still producing at a 48 point pace, which could easily turn into a 50-55 point pace if either of those things turn around a bit down the stretch.
Factor in his excellent work on the PK, excellent defensive play while deployed in a completely shutdown role, and his ability to get career seasons out of just about anyone you throw on his wing, and his impact on our ability to win hockey games is easily worth this contract.
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