[Rumour] Mikael Backlund requested trade last Summer

[Jiggy_12]

For me, Backs is the best part about the Flames. If he wanted a trade I’m sure it was for good reason.

I still can’t believe we didn’t trade him at the deadline this year. Especially in hindsight now. The return would have been incredible

[dissentowner]

Trading Backlund this offseason is a no brainer for me so this not bad news to me.

[boogerz]

Originally Posted by Paulie Walnuts

It actually speaks to his character that he would ask for a trade instead of being a lifer here he wants to win, we need more guys like that.

Agreed with this. Backlund literally put the team on his back in Game 5 against the Oilers last year. Best Flames player on the ice and the scoresheet, not including the assist on Coleman's goal that was called off and a post or two.

You also don't take the hardest defensive match-ups every night for a decade without having a desire to win. Any mental midget would crumble under that type of responsibility.

He's put up with the rollercoaster for a long time. It's obvious that he wants to win and shouldn't be a slight against him if he requested a trade. Instead though, it should prompt the organization to think about why a potential lifer like Backlund wants to leave instead of staying to help them win.

[The Cobra]

The rumour was that he's asked for a trade each of the last two summers.

[SportsJunky]

^ So, it's Sutter then?

[FlamesAddiction]

If he asks for another one this summer, then do it.

Not that I have anything against Backlund. I would love it if he was a lifer, but he just had a career year at age 34. His value is never going to be higher than it is now and it's not like this team is going to be competing for the Cup any time soon. The timing makes sense.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

The rumour was that he's asked for a trade each of the last two summers.

Where was that rumor?

Ive only heard about last offseason...if it's each of the past two years then I'd wonder for sure if Sutter is part of the equation.

At some point the organization does need to look hard in the mirror around what went rotten here and if it has to do with the coach and maybe GM.

Gaudreau and Tkachuk left.
Kylington has taken a year (for reasons unknown to us - could be related might not be)
Huberdeau and Kadri have looked miserable
Backlund has asked for a trade.

This team has 6 major UFAs going into next offseason...and need to get to the root of what is causing these issues as they handle that.

[flambers]

In my view, Backlund will need to be moved in the off season, preferred before the draft.

[Manhattanboy]

Last game tomorrow for Backs as a Flame? Hope he gets a nice ovation.

[Burning Beard]

Sell sell sell!

[JohnnyB]

He's my favorite Flame at this point. I would respect him wanting to go chase a cup elsewhere if that's what he wants, but I would be sad to see him go.

If he does go, I'll probably have more former Flames I want to cheer for on other teams than players I want to cheer for who are actually on the Flames.

[soulchoice]

If there is only one player that I would love to see win a cup, its Backs. Let him go to a contender that is a top team, if possible. If he was to win, I would be as ecstatic for him as I would have if Iggy did. Just an incredible player in all facets of the game (200 foot player).

Never complains, but just takes the assignments given to him by every coach.

[Erick Estrada]

So it was Backlund and not Lindholm then? Well if that's the case it's likely he's not going to re-sign as a free agent. No hard feelings from me as he's earned the right to play for a team that has a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup. He would look great on the Avalanche.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Jiggy_12

For me, Backs is the best part about the Flames. If he wanted a trade I’m sure it was for good reason.

I still can’t believe we didn’t trade him at the deadline this year. Especially in hindsight now. The return would have been incredible

The Flames would have to take back a cap dump to move anyone with term on them at the deadline. The teams that can afford Backlund and the ones that he would waive for are probably slim.

[Huntingwhale]

As much as I would love to see Backlund retire a Flames, the team is nowhere near contender status probably for the remainder of his career. I wouldn't want to force him to stay on the team just so his hockeydb profile shows him having only played for the Flames and we can have the satisfaction of seeing that. He has his money and fully deserves to earn legit chances at a cup. Can't think of any team that wouldn't want him. Let him chase the cup, get the Flames some assets back and hopefully the organization smartens up moving foward.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

So it was Backlund and not Lindholm then? Well if that's the case it's likely he's not going to re-sign as a free agent. No hard feelings from me as he's earned the right to play for a team that has a legitimate shot at a Stanley Cup. He would look great on the Avalanche.

Lindholm only played like he wanted to leave town....

[Yeah_Baby]

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

Lindholm only played like he wanted to leave town....

I don't know if it's Darryl Sutter head games with Huberdeau, but I keep thinking about the early season "Lindy is our best player, he needs to like who he's playing with" quotes from Sutter in light of that....

[CroFlames]

No one is bigger than the team, and the GM (whoever he is) needs to be able to recognize when it's time to move on.

I love Backs. Everyone does. But it's time.

[Vinny01]

I firmly believe that one of Backlund or Lindholm should be traded this summer. Zary and Dube are options for the third line center spot or perhaps they acquire someone else via trade. I warmed to Backlund spending the rest of his time here but if he wants to move on let’s get something for him coming off a career best season.

Lindholm still finished second in team scoring with over 40 assists and is still only a $4.85M cap hit next year and at his age I think he would get a pretty huge return

[GioforPM]

Lindy gets the best return.

Backlund rescinding the trade request is being ignored by everyone. So the last word on it is he wanted to be here (likely after he saw the team still trying to succeed). He ended up having a great year. I'd love him to stay but only on a short-mid term deal and at roughly what he makes now.