[Rumour] Backlund leaning towards not re-signing with Flames

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Or maybe it's all click bait

Haha

Yeah, really spicy stuff - this guys is going to go viral with a bombshell like that

Not to mention, it’s a tweet, not an article

[VilleN]

If Backlund and Hanifin are gone, then you have to trade Lindholm, and pretty much any veteran you can at this point.

[Vinny01]

If Hanifin wants out and Lindholm wants out likely Backlund sees no chance of winning here so he will want out.

Personally at this point I feel like this is good news for the long term health of the franchise. 3 strong assets have indicated they are wanting to leave so the choice is clear and trades should be made. The Flames will become flush with young assets that will give them a stronger ability to pounce when the next young RFA wants a change of scenery just like they did with Hamilton 8 years ago

[Hack&Lube]

Last vestige of Sutter decision-making. Let's move on!

[savardandjokinen]

Originally Posted by jg13

Ultimately the players forcing the franchise into a rebuild is probably the best thing at this point. A lot of these guys have significant value and we could be looking at a very quick turn around with a much younger core come 2-3 years.

In terms of timing of the new rink, it makes sense too. Would rather be on the up swing of a rebuild rather than starting one when the new rink is ready

[PepsiFree]

Flames about to bring a new meaning to Fire Sale?

[btimbit]

Guessing they're just really far apart on $. I hate to say it but if he wants big $ again, it's best he gets it elsewhere. I love backs, but it'd be like when we lost Gio. Unquestionably the right move, but it was still rough to see

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

We all realize rebuilds don't happen at one draft. I'm committed to a five year rebuild or whatever it takes. There was nothing out of last season for me to cling to as something I would be happy with going forward and as of today the ceiling of this team isn't a lot higher than last season even with a new coach. Hell as a fan isn't cheering for a basement team. Hell as a fan is cheering for the perennial 14-18 team treading water and doing the same things over and over.

Perennial 14-18 with 2 division titles

[868904]

You have to wonder if maybe there is more to the locker room issues than JUST Sutter.

Sutter did what he always does, push buttons and get the team to rally AGAINST him and prove him wrong. That's what all his former players say.

Despite the reported shouting matches, Backund responded like a winner the last two years under Sutter. He played his best hockey. You can't fault Backlund's play at all the last two years.

While Backlund is playing his ass off taking his abuse from Darryl, some other players (especially a couple of new players who got shiny new contracts) are giving up and mailing it in. That can't have been a good feeling.

The narrative was Sutter was the problem, well he's gone, and the players still want to leave. There are more issues in that room than just the coach.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by DeluxeMoustache

Haha

Yeah, really spicy stuff - this guys is going to go viral with a bombshell like that

Not to mention, it’s a tweet, not an article

He said first he wants to be captain and now he might want out

It's all speculation

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Perennial 14-18 with 2 division titles

You and I should switch avatars Murray.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by btimbit

Guessing they're just really far apart on $. I hate to say it but if he wants big $ again, it's best he gets it elsewhere. I love backs, but it'd be like when we lost Gio. Unquestionably the right move, but it was still rough to see

I actually think it is more like Gaudreau and Tkachuk. Big offer and he still wants something fresh.

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by dino7c

He said first he wants to be captain and now he might want out

It's all speculation

Doesn't sound like Seravalli is speculating.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

This was already a pretty bad team with very few injuries, even if Huberdeau bounces back, we will be even worse without Hanifin and Lindholm.

With that said, I'm not expecting a bottom 5 finish. Turning veteran assets into picks/prospects is my hope and drafting well with the picks we have.

This wasn’t a bad team last year. I have heard the injury reference and how the Flames had none but they did miss one of their top 4 D from the previous year for all 82 games in Kylington. The Flames had poor goaltending and some bad luck otherwise they would have been a 100pt team and in the playoffs.

Subtract Hanifin and Lindholm and replace them with no one then yes they will be at best on the bubble. I feel like last years team was a top team that had some horrible performances by key players but no where near as bad as some posters on here suggest.

I want trades for picks but am also interested in trades for players who are on the verge of breaking out similar to the trade that brought Lindholm and Hanifin here in the first place 5 years ago

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

You and I should switch avatars Murray.

Well people like you always say this stuff...you can at least be honest

They haven't been a perennial 14-18 team

They won a division a year ago and were 2nd overall 2 years before that

[Puppet Guy]

[Dentoman]

Should have cancelled my season's tickets. Didn't know about the waiting until August option at the time.

[rhino]

Originally Posted by Macho0978

We might get our rebuild simply because players are going to force us into it

Sucks but this is the best thing for the franchise

Trading these guys now can do both for you, stay competitive and get younger. you would acquire major return for 11, 28 and 55 and improve cap space that allows you to acquire players for short term... say 2-3 years.

[cral12]

Hope Backs gets into a good situation; hope Connie can get helluva return.

Give us all your 2023 picks...

Connie. Probably.

[IamNotKenKing]

This makes me sad.