I think looking at Misa, or someone they draft in this year or next, as being too late. By the time one of them arrives, Backlund and/or Kadri may be gone, and you have one legitimate center on the team (other than further trades). I would rather the Flames balance Zary's development while doing their best to win now, however that may look like.
We all have our theories on what happened here with Bennett, and we can assign blame, but a lack of patience once this team turned the dial to 'compete' most likely had some effect on the situation. I would prefer that Zary - who has looked good down the middle - continues to be developed there.
As well, there is no way that Backlund is a '4th liner'. Heck, I think you ignore labeling him on any specific line - he is 'the match-up' line, or the 'checking line'. He will NEVER play 4th line minutes unless someone really steps up and defends like he does. He will end up playing the most - or the 2nd most - minutes among forwards simply because you want him out against top lines, plus he is great on the PK. Backlund is an elite-level player because he has elite-level skills - few players drive a line as well as he does and can neutralize opposing top players as well as he does. He may not wow you, but those are elite-level attributes, and pushing him down to the 4th line is NOT a smart use of your assets.
There are lots of options, and Zary deserves the opportunity as he has been doing well with it. In two seasons, for all we know, both Backlund and Kadri may be gone, and we will be with Frost and trying out a bunch of wingers as centers again. I would rather the Flames be a bit more proactive. Whether he takes a few reps at center with another offensive player now and then on the 4th line, or finds some time as a center on another line every game - just something to keep him learning the position. It doesn't have to be permanent, but it should be a focus of Zary's development.
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