Backlund is the captain because the players, coach and staff deemed him to be the biggest leader on and off the ice for their team. Before we didn't have a captain officially, everyone said Backlund was basically the voice of the team in the locker room. Everyone has huge respect for him in the organization. He has been a solid player for the last 10 years.
Just ebcause he has had a down year, like many other btw, doesnt mean you have to strip him from the duties lmao. He isnt some fringe NHL player that they named captain. He is still a solid 3rd line centre. Yeah he has been struggling lately but we dont know if it is injury, age or something else. We praise this team's locker room having a better culture and being so tight well you have to look at Backlund and the leadership for that.
Like making a mountain out of a mole hill because the guy is in a slump the last 2 months, thats the only reason why it is a discussion. The players and staff love Backlund, and Backlund loves this city. Who else would you want to be the leader.
Sure Weegar or Andersson are good options, but Backlund still is a great leader and he can easily turn it around this year or next. If he cant be an NHLer is when you can start having these discussions
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