I think it was in 2011 when Feaster used the term “whizzing passed the graveyard” when describing Backlund. I recall in 2012 that many wanted Backlund ++ to the Yotes for Kyle Turris. I remember Backs being by far the best of a mediocre group of prospects that included 1st round busts Pelech, Irving, Nemisz, Erixon.
I then remember Backlund taking a step forward and becoming a reliable 2C. Players that got the Backlund boost include Bouma and Colborne who were out of the league shortly after cashing in on their career years with Backs. The 3M line was a staple of the Monahan-Gaudreau years and it has shifted to the Mangiapane-Backlund-Coleman line that you can count on chipping in offensively and playing against other teams top lines.
Backlund and Phaneuf were really the only successful first rounds in the 200-2010 years and Backs has been more or a late bloomer where Dion made an immediate impact to fizzle out of the league before his mid-30’s. Backs enters his mid-30’s coming off his best year and being named captain. It is special to see a player have a long successful career in one city. I am happy for Backs and think this contract and captaincy make a ton of sense.
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