What can we expect from Backlund next year?

[_Q_]

I actually really like Backlund, I think he's one of our most promising players. With that said, however, I think him, Horak, Reinhart and possibly Knight are the same type of player. If a trade can be made to get a different type of player that this team requires and one of the central pieces going the other way is Backlund, I would not be opposed to it. It also seems as though Horak and Reinhart are more durable players than Backlund.

[jeffman]

I think if he plays 82 games, 25g 30 assists. However, I think he is also developing into a very good 2 way center

[MisterJoji]

75% Chance of Injury: 5-10 goals, 10-20 assists
25% Chance of Health: 10-15 goals, 20-30 assists

Obviously I pulled the injury probability numbers out of thin air, but the guy does seem to be Ales Hemsky-lite. Although there was a lot of bad luck in there as well. He really showed a lot more confidence last year and plays a good two-way game. Hopefully he's fully healthy his year and can become a defensively solid #2 Centerman. When do qualifying offers generally come out? Capgeek has his QO at just over $760,000 which is all but guaranteed to be made.

[CaptainYooh]

My expectations of Backlund are that he becomes a reliable 3rd line center that plays consistently throughout the whole season without getting injured and without being too streaky. I really wish he can show more grit at the boards in addition to his very decent puck handling skills. Don't agree with those that see him as our first or second line center and a franchise quality player. If he was that kind of a player, he would have been there already. But that doesn't mean he can't be efficient and contributing well at the level where he is. Actually, I wouldn't mind if he gets traded prior or during the draft for a higher pick or as part of a package to acquire a solid 2nd line center.

[CsInMyBlood]

Anybody that thinks Backlund should be traded hasn't been paying attention to how he was playing last season. Such excellent 2 way play, and dangerous everytime he brought it into the offensive zone, making his own chances, making things happen.

You simply do not trade a young center that is finally putting it together the way he is.

Trading Backlund would be a huge step backwards for the Flames.

Don't be an idiot Feaster. Please don't be an idiot Feaster. Please don't.

[bluloc]

60 games played with 40 points wouldn't be unreasonable.

[Brick]

More of the same.

[Bezer]

Gonna be a great 2nd line 2 way center. He is one of my untouchable roster players except for insane overpayment. Huge fan and I expect big things this year.

Also if I remember correctly he is very good advanced stats for those of you into that sorta thing.

[FBI]

I would be bummed if we traded him after being properly patient with his development just when he looks to finally break out for us.

[Huntingwhale]

I'll be bummed if he sustains another silly injury that impedes his progress. To me, Backlund playing 70+ games will be a win.

[Hockey_Ninja]

2 goals and 1 assist

/Where ru Chris O'Sullivan