Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
It is not like Backlund is getting any worse, either. Last year was probably the best season of his entire career.
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I tend to agree, but I also think that they still have a little time before this becomes an imminent problem.
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My philosophy on Veteran players ( or any player for that matter), is to put them in positions where they can succeed. A player like Frolik for example is a fine bottom 6 role player - his faults only showed when he was in the top 6.
Backlund's time is coming sooner rather than later, and that's fine, not a slander to who he has been. That said, he will be a much more valuable player to the team in the right role. I don't think the Flames should gamble on keeping him in a 2nd line Center role longer than he can excel. It is as much about protecting the player, as it is about making the team the best it can be. If Backlund is
pushed down to the third line it is best case scenario. If he is kept there because there are not better options, then it is trouble. There is some middle ground there of course - Backlund keeps the spot cause he deserves it ect... but you get the point.