Quote:
Originally Posted by dissentowner
Well this is strictly my opinion but it doesn't make sense for multiple reasons. First, contract has a lot to do with it. He is coming off his best year statistically, is he going to take a hometown discount? The Flames cannot afford to pay their 3rd line C $5M+ a year without sacrificing younger pieces that are more important in the long run. Second, you have other candidates that are just a good of a choice (better imo) who are here long term. Andersson is the prime example, a guy who says we want players that want to be Flames. Instead you want to give it to a guy who has flip flopped on that for the last two seasons? Third, Backlund has worn a letter for years here and been part of the leadership group, exactly what has this team accomplished in that time? With the exception of last year he has also been a player notorious for taking the first part of the season off. Fourth, he wants to chase a Cup, trade him to a contender.
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1) we don't know what his contract will look like, but I suspect it will be fair. And I would assume that the longer the term is, the lower the AAV, and vice versa. SO let's see what it looks like before we decide it's bad.
2) Andersson is also a strong candidate, but I think he also has made comments about Backlund being the de facto captain last year.
3) Backlund's 'flip flop' is a function of being frustrated with Sutter. If he wants to sign now, who cares that he (along with half the team) wanted to get the hell out of town last year?
4) the argument that the Flames haven't won anything with him as part of the leadership group is an empty argument - success is a team function. And Andersson has been a key part of that same team you're referring to, so your argument would apply equally to him.
5) Yes, he wants to chase a cup - most players do. Personally, I want guys who want to chase a cup doing so on my team - wanting a cup is a good thing, no?