Quote:
Originally Posted by Wood
Everyone is praising the Eriksson-Ek signing because he's such a solid defensive centreman. Anyone who's watched him the last few years know he plays almost identically to Backlund, they even skate the exact same
I feel Backlunds never got his due as one of the best shutdown centres in the league year after year, he should be in the Selke conversation the same way Eriksson-Ek was. I'm happy Eriksson-Ek got attention this year, but Backlund has had just as good or better seasons for nearly a decade playing the same role
Even this season, Backlund had 32 points Eriksson-Ek had 30 with more games played than Backlund. It's not just about points, but Backlund has consistently played against teams #1 centres and he holds his own every night
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I agree completely.
Those wanting to run Gio and Backlund out of town (to save on cap) have no appreciation for what this will do to Calgary's on ice team. Luckily management does appreciate those players, although it remains to be seen if they can afford the cost of keeping Gio around next year.