Quote:
Originally Posted by ComixZone
My protection list is (if there’s no major changes to the roster between now and then):
Gaudreau
Tkachuk
Lindholm
Monahan
Dube
Bennett
Mangiapane
Hanifin
Andersson
Giordano
Markstrom
That leaves Backlund (3 years at $5.35M, 32 years old), Tanev (3 years at $4.5M, 31 years old) and Rittich (UFA) as the salary cap choices. Derek Ryan as a UFA could also be an affordable bottom 6 centre for Seattle. I think David Rittich is the guy we’re going to end up losing in the end as he’s going to be one of the best goalies to be exposed.
Exposing Backlund would be playing the age/salary cap game. I also see Bennett and Dube both further establishing themselves this coming season, and seeing age/contract status, that puts them ahead of Backlund. I also am not opposed to Tree using a draft pick or two to protect someone and have them pick something else, as I still think most of this roster is championship-quality, and I’d rather see Backlund retire a Flame one day.
|
I do not disagree but wanted to add this. A lot of posters note that leaving Gio exposed is wrong, because he is the captain and heart and soul a Flame. I feel that Backlund is in the same category. Obviously not the captain but still a leader and heart and soul guy.
It feels wrong but I think we can't afford the luxury of emotional choices on who we protect. Both Giordano and Backlund bleed Flames red and I love them, but one or both may need to be exposed.