Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferarri
Backlund requesting a trade and Huberdeau being miserable for most of last year makes me question the character of this group. You look at what Tkachuk has done in Florida and I don’t see anyone on the roster as passionate about winning as him. Yes, it sucks that he wanted out but I’ll reiterate that I don’t see that passion to win at all costs.
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Great post overall and I agree with 99% of it. I just quoted the one instance I didn't quite agree with.
AFAIK, Backlund's trade request seemed to be all about wanting to win, rather than not getting along with Sutter. Gaudreau left, and Tkachuk let it be known that the Flames better trade him too. That's the two best players on the team. Backlund asked for a trade.
When the Tkachuk trade was completed, and the returns seemed really good - plus Kadri signing here - Backlund rescinded his request. If he had an issue with Sutter, there was no reason to rescind the request.
Flames had a tough season. Backlund has only a few more years left in the tank, and he wants to win a cup. He stated that he prefers to win one here, but that he would like to see what direction this team is heading in. With so many key pieces being upcoming UFAs, I think this is Backlund just being a realist here. If this team enters a rebuild, he will have no chance at a cup. If the team is trying to win, but has obviously glaring holes, he doesn't have a chance at a cup. In those situations, I would imagine he would prefer to go to a team that has a better chance at winning a cup. I can't fault him for his reasoning.
There could have been other confirmed explanations, but what I wrote seems to be the best supported theory until now. At the presser, he specifically cites his age and his desire to win a cup, and stating that he prefers that it happen here, but if it is not going to happen, then he will be looking elsewhere to re-sign. That's fair to me.