The thing with Backlund, is that he can drive the line and leads by example. Most of the plays on his line start with him. He does some of the less glamorous things like playing on the PK. He is one of the dangerous shorthanded player.
Honestly, if you gave Monahan Backlund's role with lower profile line mates, he would be hard pressed to put up the same consistent number that Backlund does. And I am sure the opposite is true too. Backlund probably wouldn't be as effective as Monahan playing with the top skill guys, although his stats would go up a little.
I think his contract is fair. Intangibles might not be as sexy as goals, but without it, your third line checking line is going to suck hard. Plus he is versatile enough that he gets decent PP opportunities. Still worth his salary at this point
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
|