Not every spot on a rebuilding team can or should go to a younger player. It's not a good recipe.
Every younger guy who's developed well has played with Backlund, and looked good doing it. Then if they get removed from him too early, or never get a chance with him, odds are they regress or don't develop as quickly. Tkachuk, Bennett, Coronato, Honzek, Mangiapane, all did well with Backlund.
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