Backing Backlund

[moon]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

Monahan is no where near Backlund in their overall games at this point, but obviously Monahan is doing amazingly well for a 19 year old.

Backlund does seem to attract an inordinate amount of both love and hate on these boards though. Don't know why.

I think the fact that for so long he was pretty much the only young guy we had that looked to have a legit shot at turning into something more than a plug has people really liking him wanting him to turn out. Now with the rebuild and for some people any signs of life from a guy immediately rockets him into something great going forward also puts more "love" on him than normal.

I also think that outside of Chris O'Sullivan the "hate" is overblown. I am likely someone who is considered a "hater" but I still think he has value as a 3rd line guy (although likely as a winger). Not sure that is being a hater but many people take issue with this view point.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Bandwagon In Flames

In three sentences you managed to imply that you know better than the majority of Oiler fans and Flames fans. I'm done trying to reason with you because you can't reason with yourself.

In 3 sentences I gave my opinion. Feel free to point out where I said I know better.

I stated that people in the hockey world know better.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by moon

I don't know what his coach would know, but considering Hartley is an idiot I would say not much. I do know that when Eakins praised his guys many people laughed about it and talked about that is what coaches say about his guys.

seriously???

[strombad]

Originally Posted by moon

I don't know what his coach would know, but considering Hartley is an idiot I would say not much.

Originally Posted by moon

I stated that people in the hockey world know better.

Adorable.

[jeffman]

Mikael Fricken Backlund. That is all

[skudr248]

Give him the A back. RIGHT MEOW

[JonDuke]

This kid is exciting to watch, for sure.
Pure stallion

[89revival]

Been hoping for him to show up like this for a couple years now, good to see! Hope he keeps it up!

[FBI]

8 points in 4 and two away from leading the team in goals!

[DazzlinDino]

Great watching Monahan and Backlund tonight hope they keep building on this; I can't wait to see what Emile Poirier can do especially with his speed. I think Burke will find a way to build this team even if we finish lower in the draft.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by moon

In 3 sentences I gave my opinion. Feel free to point out where I said I know better.

I stated that people in the hockey world know better.

Who are these 'people in the hockey world' that you are talking about? I would love to know.

It is funny when I sometimes watch games with the opposing teams' feeds, and Hartley gets nothing but praise. Burke comes out and says that 'people in the hockey world' think Hartley is doing a good job, and goes out and praises Hartley himself. Most of the fans here like Hartley.

Hartley is making the most of his opportunity coaching in the NHL right now, and he is impressing. Either back up your claims that 'people in the hockey world' think he is terrible by citing some sources, or just stop making stuff up.

[Trailer Fire]

This used to be a joyous thread. Now it's just sad.

Can it be joyous again? Can we enjoy the fact that Backlund is playing very well right now? I suppose it's a lot to ask, but I'm still asking.

[dying4acup]

Assuming Backlund stays healthy, I project him to be a 40-45point, 15-20goal scorer.

I said earlier in this thread I would like to see a 3yr contract for 6-8M(total). But it might take 10M to get it done. At his age I don't think he's in his prime yet. And I really do think he could be a flame when they turn the corner.

I know he's bound to go cold again, but not to the point where he's pointless in 10 straight games. I also think that if he isn't scoring, he can still do so many things well(defense, faceoffs, PK).

After investing this much time into him, I want to see him succeed here.

[Matty81]

Can he be selected for the Swedish Olympic team not being on the reserve list?

With Franzen out him and nyqvist are the two guys playing the best and backlund has twice the all around game of him IMO.

[djsFlames]

So, should Backlund be up for an NHL star of the week on Monday? I would think so.

And in regards to possibly finishing higher (or lower) than one would've thought a couple weeks ago, it's not the end of the world. We still have an alright chance at the lottery. But I definitely would prefer us taking Dal Colle over Draisaitl. I haven't been impressed by him in the slightest. He puts up points but has been invisible in the few viewings I've seen, namely the prospects game. Dal Colle won't be as great as Reinhart, but he's got an NHL caliber snipe for sure.

[DeluxeMoustache]

He is 24 years old and showing flashes in line with a reasonable development curve. He is doing the right things in a lot of different areas and being rewarded for it. Hopefully his arrival.

Preconceived notions about a guy yet to enter his prime are not the best way to think about these things, by the way. Trying to understand today is better than digging in and trying to prove, despite mounting evidence to the contrary, that your ideas last year were right.

[dying4acup]

If Backlund makes the Olympic team, something tells me he scores a huge game winning goal in the medal round.

And both Gio and Backs should be stars of the week, based on the hottest players in the league, on the hottest team in the league!

[Aarongavey]

Is it just me or do Swedes seem to be late bloomers in the NHL? Backlund would not be the first Swede to really hit his stride around 25. Naslund was up and down until around 25, same with Zetterberg, same with the Sedins. Not saying he is going to be a superstar, but it seems like Swedes take a little longer. If he turns into a 50-60 point two way forward that is pretty good for a 2nd line center.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by dying4acup

Assuming Backlund stays healthy, I project him to be a 40-45point, 15-20goal scorer.

Your projection is pro rating his production last year and this and acknowledging no improvement other than health. Way to stick your neck out. :-)

[Cole436]

I think Backs has a 60 point season in him somewhere. I can't wait to see him playing with the kids in a few years.