Quote:
Originally Posted by jonkaupp
You’re right, Bergeron and Toews are definitely next level and shouldn’t be used as comparables. If Bergeron were a 28 year old heading for UFA with an 80m cap, he’d almost undoubtedly get 8m plus. So you can’t honestly use his contract as a comparable. And obviously Toews is 10.5m, almost literally twice as much. Backlund gets over 6 on the open market. This is a great deal.
Also you mentioned that Backlund likely won’t get 50 points again, but he’s barely under that pace right now, a slight uptick over the last 25 games and he’ll get there. Regardless, combined with his FANTASTIC defensive game, he is easily a 2nd line centre on most teams. If Mikael Backlund becomes your third line center then you have a very very good problem on your hands.
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I agree, if Backlund were putting up those kinds of offensive numbers this is easily $8M +. I have no issues with that.
But he never has, isn't now, and isn't likely to moving forward, so the argument isn't really very applicable.
And I agree that he is currently producing at a second line centre rate, and I think he will continue to do so for another couple of years. It's the 4 years beyond that where I think this contract becomes more of an issue.
Nothing against the player or the value he adds to team now and over the short-term. Unfortunately history is full of examples of how these contracts are a problem for teams when the player is heading into that 32-35 age range.
That's my biggest concern.