I too have confused Backlund for Gaudreau more than once this season.
I don't think he prices himself off the team. I think he understands that he is best when utilized as they do now - quietly, in the background. He loves the team and will sign for something like 4 x $4.5M IMO.
He is definitely under-rated around the league (at least by fans). I think Flames fans under-rate the quality of our trio of veterans up front: Backlund, Brouwer and Frolik is an incredibly solid support group for our young core.
If/when the Flames have playoff success, their value (and that of Engelland if he is still here) will finally be evident to all.
I don't think Backlund is that underrated. Pretty much all of CP knows how good he is and how vital he is to the team's success. But I think a combination of the lack of team success recently, and his proneness to injury kind of makes him fly under the radar league wide.
It's been a real treat to watch his career unfold in Flames' colors. Started out highly touted as a potential #1C, but slowly but surely found his groove anchoring the 3rd line but with a 2nd line skill set.
Not only that but he's only 27 and is signed to a great contract. It will be interesting to see how the Flames handle him during his UFA season. There will be a long line of suitors for him if he makes it to UFA at age 28. And he'll deserve a big raise. I'm hoping the Flames can find a way to keep in on the team for the foreseeable future. Players with his skillset can have long careers well into their 30s.
Anyone remotely interested in analytics has known Backlund's talent for at least three seasons now, especially his elite defensive contributions. The lack of respect he got prior to this season is one of the strangest things I've seen in hockey.
__________________ "I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?" Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
Backlund is amazing and I have always considered him as a part of the core.
I still remember the first NHL shift he ever took vs the Canucks. It was like 10 secs into the game and he had a breakaway on Luongo, but hit the post.
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Underrated? He's been our best centre to start this year. It's going to be hard to keep him on the team at this rate. Hopefully some more BT wizardry with that contract after next season.
Backlund could be one of those guys that takes a major home town discount to stay with Calgary. Maybe 3.5 or 4m. He bleeds red and loves it in Calgary.
Backlund could be one of those guys that takes a major home town discount to stay with Calgary. Maybe 3.5 or 4m. He bleeds red and loves it in Calgary.
I think this is likely as well. The stajan contract once Stajan's contract is done.
Backlund is amazing and I have always considered him as a part of the core.
I still remember the first NHL shift he ever took vs the Canucks. It was like 10 secs into the game and he had a breakaway on Luongo, but hit the post.
That was against the Islanders.
Still shows some perseverance as the Flames and others did botch his early years of development. Best thing Backlund has done is stick with it and play his game. Many others never recover from those early set backs and go the route of WhereRUChrisOSullivan and end up in the KHL.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
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I find the label of best 3rd line centre in the league to be a dubious one.
Why isn't he known as a middling 2nd line centre?
I like the player a lot but there's a reason for the 3rd line label and it isn't just defensive proficiency.
Backlund has been getting heavy praise lately on broadcast television, I don't know if he's underrated anymore.
Anyway, he's aces in my book for his creeper roster photo:
There is a very simple reason for this.
Backlund has the advanced stats of a 1st line centre but plays 2nd-3rd line minutes and rarely gets offensive minutes, but always outplays his opposition which happen to be top competition.
