Upcoming Mangiapane contract discussion

[Zoller]

I'd be surprised if he signs an extension this summer or anytime next season. Mang made it very clear during the last contract negotiation that he believed in his abilities. He's likely going to play out the rest of the contract before going to the table.

And looking at his trajectory I don't blame him. Mang is poised for a big year next season. His compete level is second to none on this team. I'm on board with signing him for as much term as we can get.

[lazypucker]

Expose Backlund and hope Seattle to take him, use that money to extend Mangiapane long term, that would be perfect...

[codynw]

Originally Posted by lazypucker

Expose Backlund and hope Seattle to take him, use that money to extend Mangiapane long term, that would be perfect...

I don't understand how Backlund is still so underappreciated by Flames fans.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by codynw

I don't understand how Backlund is still so underappreciated by Flames fans.

He is hitting that age where guys can start to really drop off, he was not very good last season along with 90% of his team, and he isnt cheap.

He is a guy that has to be looked at moving if he returns something this club needs.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by codynw

I don't understand how Backlund is still so underappreciated by Flames fans.

He's arguably playing up to his contract at best. Do you think he's going to get better than he's shown as he ages? I wouldn't say he's underappreciated. People just recognize the chance of Backs playing better than he's currently showing is pretty low, and would rather get out of the contract before it becomes another anchor in the future.

[868904]

Originally Posted by transplant99

He is hitting that age where guys can start to really drop off, he was not very good last season along with 90% of his team, and he isnt cheap.

He is a guy that has to be looked at moving if he returns something this club needs.

Does someone have the advanced stats that show that Backlund was "not very good" last year?

Cause the regular stats for idiots like me show that he was on his usual 50 point pace while playing pretty much the entire season without Tkachuk but instead with Lucic (who happened to have a career revival with Backlund like so many before him) and Nordstrom.

I know he had a few bad games that stick out but he wasn't the only one who had an off night for this team last year.

I'm not trying to be sarcastic but I would really like to know if there is some data to show that Backlund was bad.

I'll give you that there is concern for any player over 30 of a sudden regression in their game, but did it really happen last year for Backlund?

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by codynw

I don't understand how Backlund is still so underappreciated by Flames fans.

Really though the Flames have seen the best of Backlund and it's just not worked out. The core needs changes and he's the longest tenured and moving him out represents a cultural shift that may be a good thing. Change could be good for both parties. He could go to a team that goes deep into the playoffs competing for a Cup and the Flames could use the cap savings to re-sign, sign, or trade for a player.

[CSharp]

For some reason, I thought this thread is about Mangiapane but turns into a Backlund whipping. Maybe Backlund deserves his own thread. He was on par to be a Selke nominee until the wheels totally fell off the Flames this past season. I think he's a typical Sutter 3rd line center. I think he's fine as a 3rd line center for the most part and when he's a beast, then he's underrated and is a 2nd line center.

As for Mangi, I definitely like him as a Flames long term wise.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by CSharp

For some reason, I thought this thread is about Mangiapane but turns into a Backlund whipping. Maybe Backlund deserves his own thread. He was on par to be a Selke nominee until the wheels totally fell off the Flames this past season. I think he's a typical Sutter 3rd line center. I think he's fine as a 3rd line center for the most part and when he's a beast, then he's underrated and is a 2nd line center.

As for Mangi, I definitely like him as a Flames long term wise.

You are saying Backlund played at a Selke nominee level...this past season?

And this thread is about what to pay Mangiapane...the team will need to free up money regardless of what the final number is. Looking at moving one of your oldest forwards to be able to do so makes perfect sense.

[GioforPM]

I have no problem trading Backlund, if you think the core needs shaking. I do have a problem deliberately exposing him to be taken. There's no forwards I need protecting over him. If Bennett was here you'd have a debate, even at his old production, but he's not, and that's at least part of why he was traded IMO.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

I have no problem trading Backlund, if you think the core needs shaking. I do have a problem deliberately exposing him to be taken. There's no forwards I need protecting over him. If Bennett was here you'd have a debate, even at his old production, but he's not, and that's at least part of why he was traded IMO.

Exactly, he is still an asset whether he stays or is traded.

giving him away would be asinine.

[GioforPM]

As for Backlund's age, while he's no Bergeron, he is the same style of player and Bergeron hasn't slowed in recent years. Last time I looked he was up for a Selke again.

[Strange Brew]

Well I feel like a dumbass. I should have read the OP a little more closely or spent the 10 seconds to go on CapFriendly.

Mangiapane's contract not due for another season so I take back most of what i said. There is really no reason for either him or the Flames to sign a contract this summer unless it's to go super long term.

I'd be shocked if gets extended this off season.

[transplant99]

Originally Posted by Strange Brew

Well I feel like a dumbass. I should have read the OP a little more closely or spent the 10 seconds to go on CapFriendly.

Mangiapane's contract not due for another season so I take back most of what i said. There is really no reason for either him or the Flames to sign a contract this summer unless it's to go super long term.

I'd be shocked if gets extended this off season.

Well, if you want to avoid arbitration and/or you feel he is gonna really pop next season, you can likely get him locked in longer and cheaper if you sign him this summer.

[Strange Brew]

Originally Posted by transplant99

Well, if you want to avoid arbitration and/or you feel he is gonna really pop next season, you can likely get him locked in longer and cheaper if you sign him this summer.

I'm not sure Mangiapane is going to be willing to give that discount for the benefit of signing a deal this summer.

Gaudreau, Monahan, Tkachuk all signed their deals after the season. Rasmus did sign halfway through his expiring season, that would be the earliest I'd expect.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by codynw

I don't understand how Backlund is still so underappreciated by Flames fans.

It would help if he didn't suck for half a season every year. His defensive play has also not been great since the Avs owned him in the playoffs. I would rather bring back Ryan at 1.5 - 2M a year to do the same job.

[dino7c]

Its gonna be awkward when some of you find out Backlund had the same amount of points as Mangi in less games played

Lets give one away and give the other one 6X6 before its too late!

Keep Backlund and sign Mangi

It doesn't have to be one or the other

[Joborule]

I do feel that Backlund needs to be a player shipped out to change the poising that this roster has in underperforming. He's one of the longer serving leaders on a team that has disappointed season in, season out. Treliving has stated that changes are gonna have to be made, and it's very likely to be involving the core/leadership of the team.

If him going out either clears up cap space, and/or brings in a forward that's younger that can preform just as well, if not better, it helps the Flames get better.

[dino7c]

I think you would be hard pressed to give away Backlund and sign an improvement with his money. If you want to move him I don't think giving him away to Seattle is the best option

[Beatle17]

Originally Posted by dino7c

I think you would be hard pressed to give away Backlund and sign an improvement with his money. If you want to move him I don't think giving him away to Seattle is the best option

As an example Charlie Coyle makes the same as Backlund for 5 years after this one and Backlund has outperformed him every year.