I actually think Backlund is one of the better character players, and one of the most mature ones.
He had a quiet season, but he had stretches about every year before that where he would drag the team into battle and produce at a rate beyond that which was expected for him, and usually down the stretch when the other top players would drop off.
He was the only player to really "elevate" Bennett over his time as a Flame, he centered one of the most consistent lines we've had over multiple seasons with 3M, he hates our rivals and produces against them and is the longest tenured Flame.
I don't see what's not to like, but people here tend to let recent history determine their perspective. But really, no one was very good last spring.
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