Instead of debating over him being a 2nd or 3rd line center the more logical way to describe him is I think he is part of the solution here and one of 9 forwards I think are important pieces moving forward.
Gaudreau, Monahan, Tkahuck, Lindholm, Backlund, Bennett, Mangiapane, Ryan and Dube are all pieces I like in our starting 12.
Frolik is on his way out, Neal is a major disappointment, Czarnik is likely the 13th forward and Jankowski is really lacking at 5v5.
I don't know how it all shakes out but Backlund is a big part of this team and we are lucky to have him.
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