Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
Yes, of course. Ignore that fact that Backlund’s production is consistent regardless of who he is playing with. Ignore the fact that Backlund was a considerably better-than-average second line ES scoring centre last year, out scoring all three of Kadri, Schenn and Bennett.
Backlund is NOT the problem.
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This is not the ringing endorsement you think it is.
Even with Tkachuk on an absolute tear last year, backlund couldn't eclipse 50 points. That he's been in the league for 10 years and scored 50 points 1 time isn't suggestive that he's going to be the missing offensive link to unlock even more potential from Tkachuk.
I don't care that Backlund is a better 2nd line centre than what's in Edmonton, Montreal or Ottawa. It is inconsequential whether backlund score 5 more points than Paul Stastny in 27 more games.
What is consequential is that if there isn't a legit top 6 winger beside him opposite of Tkachuk, that line is going to be a defacto shut down line because they can't do much of anything else.
Backlund is perfectly adequate sandwiched between Tkachuk and Mark Stone or Tkachuk and Lindholm or Tkachuk and Phil Kessell or...But if Backlund is the second best offensive producer on that line, the Flames are going to struggle turning that defense role into much in the offensive zone.
The problem is not having another legitimate winger, but one way you can fix not having a legit winger is with a better centre.
Calgary has neither.