Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
Dumba is a top pairing right shot Dman with offensive ability and plays physical.
I think of the Backlund comparison same as the Voraecek one with Johnny. Why would the Flames trade their 27 year old first line winger for a 31 year old? Why are the Wild trading their 26 year old top pairing D for a 31 year old?
Especially where the Wild are in their current team makeup.
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The primary reason for this would be that Minnesota has build themselves a nice big hole to climb out of, and that is why the league is playing hardball with them. They should have traded Dumba before trading Staal.
They have very little centre depth, and no leadership coming from that position. Backlund would be a dream for them to land. A guy that can play the big minutes without falling apart, and teach the kids how to be a pro in the centre position, exactly as Staal and Koivu were doing last year, only Backlund is a much better player than either of them (at this point in their careers). Backlund has easily another three years of high level play in front of him.
I hate to be opportunistic, but in this situation Backlund gets you Dumba and a pick.
I'd love for Calgary to make this move and then go after Duchene in a Gaudreau trade, and give up on UFA Hall. Instead go after UFA Namestnikov, and fit everybody nicely under the cap.