I could definitely see the argument for putting Backlund on the unprotected list.
My view is that the flames team is essentially the same level as last year (lower end playoff team that would consider it a success just to win one round). After this season, the flames are entering the last year of Gaudreau, Tkachuk and Giordano's deal. Not to mention 2 years away from Monahan's deal being up. Flames have some major issues to deal with as far as how they deal with the current core. Do they double down with the guys who have been plagued by the "can't do it in the big moments of the year stigma", or after another middling year, will the flames decide to do a bit of a retool.
Based on the above, heck, maybe giordano is left exposed.
The one thing that makes me wary of trading backlund is that I think he's a really good team guy. Someone who you might want to keep around, if/when the team does decide to re-tool and inject more youth/prospects into the big club roster...
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