[Signing] Flames sign Backlund to 2 year contract extension ($3.25 mil AAV)

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by mogg

[kehatch]

From a pure hockey standpoint this extension is unnecessary. It locks up two C spots with older players, it removes the option for a deadline trade if the season doesn't go well, and committs us to a 36 year old for 3 more seasons when he had a big drop off last season. It is also another extension that was signed a year earlier then it needed to be, and before a season that will probably answer a lot of questions about both Backlund and the Flames.

That said, he is the captain and a rare guy that can retire having played for one team. The dollar figure and term are manageable. I am okay with it as long as it doesn't block younger options at C. Because I am not a fan of any of Kadri, Backlund, or Frost as long tern C options. Though hopefully Frost can step it up this season.

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by kehatch

From a pure hockey standpoint this extension is unnecessary. It locks up two C spots with older players, it removes the option for a deadline trade if the season doesn't go well, and committs us to a 36 year old for 3 more seasons when he had a big drop off last season. It is also another extension that was signed a year earlier then it needed to be, and before a season that will probably answer a lot of questions about both Backlund and the Flames.

That said, he is the captain and a rare guy that can retire having played for one team. The dollar figure and term are manageable. I am okay with it as long as it doesn't block younger options at C. Because I am not a fan of any of Kadri, Backlund, or Frost as long tern C options. Though hopefully Frost can step it up this season.

It was done now to squash any trade talk/rumours. They would be an unwanted and unnecessary distraction for this young team who needs leadership as they enter the league for their first/second/third seasons. From a pure hockey perspective, I think this was important to get done.

A trade was never happening, and both parties are happy together, so they locked it down.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by kehatch

From a pure hockey standpoint this extension is unnecessary. It locks up two C spots with older players, it removes the option for a deadline trade if the season doesn't go well, and committs us to a 36 year old for 3 more seasons when he had a big drop off last season. It is also another extension that was signed a year earlier then it needed to be, and before a season that will probably answer a lot of questions about both Backlund and the Flames.

That said, he is the captain and a rare guy that can retire having played for one team. The dollar figure and term are manageable. I am okay with it as long as it doesn't block younger options at C. Because I am not a fan of any of Kadri, Backlund, or Frost as long tern C options. Though hopefully Frost can step it up this season.

It’s only unnecessary from a perspective that would have to also suggest that every pre-deadline extension is unnecessary, which ultimately isn’t a realistic position to hold that most would agree with even if you could make an argument for it.

Backlund’s “big drop off” was 17% less points on a team that scored 13% less goals while maintaining great defensive numbers. Not overly dramatic. I think Conroy and Huska know what they have and there are probably a lot less questions to be answered than you’re suggesting.

I think it’s a good contract today both for the quality of the player and the benefit of the room.

[Sylvanfan]

It seems that Backlund is a pretty important part of the Community. So I think there is a lot of intangible value that will never show up on a spreadsheet here. He has 3 more seasons and the Flames should have more than enough cap space to accommodate the deal. I'm sure Conroy and Huska would love to be put in a position where they need to scratch Backlund because up and coming young guys are forcing their hand. In reality the teams current best center prospects are likely 2 years out from making the team.

[GioforPM]

I think on any given shift, Backlund can be just as effective as ever. It may become an issue of managing his minutes.

Older guys don't lose their knowledge and in lots of cases they don't slow down until the stamina wears out, if they play too much.

[Huntingwhale]

Originally Posted by sureLoss

https://twitter.com/user/status/1968422392591466771

I love this deal so much. Not only has Backlund aged like fine wine like a good Swede does, but his family is such a staple in the community with their charity work. A good mentor on and off the ice. Super stoke he will retire a Flame and hopefully a miracle happens and whether it be as a player here or management/coaching role here or elsewhere, I hope he gets to raise the cup one day.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by kehatch

From a pure hockey standpoint this extension is unnecessary.

Backlund's Contract Watch would have massively overshadowed the McDavid one, so the NHL reached out to the Flames to get it done.

[Burning Beard]

I like the signing. Just hope we don't need to see him out on the PP anymore. Save him for PK and 5v5 please where he can just do his thing.

[Plett25]

I was out with the in-laws last night. They're big Oiler fans.

I said "Hey, did you hear the captain re-signed?"

One of them bit hard. Below is a picture of me and my kids

[DropIt]

Originally Posted by EVERLAST

Okay....i understand and i am a sentimental old bugger but i wonder out loud about this too.

Can there be alternate? Can we acknowledge other guys leadership here as well?
Lets be honest here . Should all leaders be C ...A.... is it just an honor?
I see other guys on this squad who inspire more....they just do.
Thoughts ?
Thinking out loud is that allowed.?

How do you "see" this?

[rohara66]

Great contract for a great player/human.


Love it.


No more trade Backlund noise.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by DropIt

How do you "see" this?

[browntrout]

Well, hoping that the team at the very least graduate 2-3 rookies, the older vets are not the future of this team and soon they are going to start regressing, need to mitigate that with a long term plan, development and support of these rookies at an NHL level over the next 5 years, you can't graduate 5 rookies on a team in a single yea, there definitely has to be some planning here

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by browntrout

Well, hoping that the team at the very least graduate 2-3 rookies, the older vets are not the future of this team and soon they are going to start regressing, need to mitigate that with a long term plan, development and support of these rookies at an NHL level over the next 5 years, you can't graduate 5 rookies on a team in a single yea, there definitely has to be some planning here

Generally teams develop and integrate rookies over time, yes. I think every team does that.

[AC]

I get the worry about keeping vets longer than necessary... But Backlund is a dedicated fitness freak and has spent his entire career on the Flames. Those are 2 great qualities to instill in the younger players. I'm really happy with his extension.

[Yeah_Baby]

I swear that if you're over 45 (now) in the local media you've always had a weird hate on for Backlund (Boomer, Warrener), and if you're born after 1980 (ish) you're more in line with my thinking (Steinberg, Pinder). It's always struck me as odd.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

I swear that if you're over 45 (now) in the local media you've always had a weird hate on for Backlund (Boomer, Warrener), and if you're born after 1980 (ish) you're more in line with my thinking (Steinberg, Pinder). It's always struck me as odd.

I dunno - I just chatted with hockey writer last night, who I would think is probably plus 45 and he was very pro Backlund.