Quote:
Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald
Center depth is a problem for the Flames. They should be trying to get stronger here, and in a big way. As bad as Monahan has been, Backlund has been worse. Both are troubling and need dramatic improvement. The Flames need to find new addresses for both of them and bring in better talent. Ruzicka may be able to find his way into one of those roles, but he's got a long way to go.
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Has Backlund really been worse? He's definitely not scoring at a very good clip, but I still trust Backlund a lot more to be able to play tough matchups against other teams top players a lot more than I would Monahan. For me Backlunds cap hit is a now expensive, but with Lindholm on a value deal, you should be able to manage it if you play him on a good third line with some P.K. time. Monahan can add a bit on the Powerplay, but at even strength he needs better linemates and some protection to play on a third line. Ruzicka... you hope he can be on the 4th line and add some production down there that has been lacking all year. In time maybe step up to a third line role eventually when Backlunds deal is done, which is likely what they had hoped for with Jankowski a few years back.
If there was anyway to bring in a better 2nd line center, and move out Monahan's cap hit to move Backlund to the third line, I expect the team would make a strong play for that. I just don't think that type of player is out there, or if that player is, there's a lot more teams further up the standings than Calgary who'll make a bid.