I believe that the Flames “Checking/Shutdown line”, that has been centered by 2C/3C Mikael Backlund for so many years is far underrated.
Most here remember how many players have benefitted from the “Backlund Bump”; Bouma and Mangiapane among them.
16.5 minutes a game + some PK time if you’re solid.
In 2021/2022, the “Checking/Shutdown Line” of the Mangiapane/Backlund/Coleman line allowed the first line of Gaudreau/Lindholm/Tkachuk line to do near anything that they wanted to during home games.
Within 2 years, Backlund and Coleman will both age out, and unfortunately, I do not see any forwards currently in the Flame’s organization who are anywhere near close to replacing them at their 2nd/3rd line shutdown roles.
Does anyone here see any candidates?
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