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

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Saqe

I go back to the money bag handed to Huberdeau without playing a single game for the team. While Treliving hard balled every one of his own guys. Maybe now Conroy isn't willing to give these guys the same kind of money? And credit to him if that's the case. But I can see that causing a rift with the old crew.

When those guys are 2nd in NHL scoring they can get a big bag too

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Interesting that folks in here think Backlund opting out might force a rebuild. Not saying that's wrong, but my perspective on this was him opting out might of been a blessing in disguise regardless of if we were in win now mode or rebuild.

And I say this as someone who feels like Backlund, especially with playoffs, has been a huge asset / exceeds expectations player we've had in a years. But he's not someone you can put up as a #1 center (like Lindholm), so you can't build around him. He's a key accessory piece that teams need to win, but I've assumed always his next contract would be too much, and he's too "mature" in years to make it worth it. The Flames opportunity to take advantage of having a Backlund on your roster as a #3 centre has come and gone.

Whether we are in win now mode, or rebuild, feels like Backlund opting out might be the best thing for a club that tends not to optimize value out of expiring resources, especially those that have that "life long Flame" tag that someone like Backlund does.

That said, I really think Lindholm is the only one opting out that could force the orgs hand on rebuild vs. not, IMO he's the only one important enough to the big picture to force that.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by CliffFletcher

A mix of NHL veterans who they get back in trades for the pending UFAs, the UFA market (they’ll have loads of cap), and prospects.

There’s still a hazard in rushing prospects like Coronato. I know fans love shiny new things, but significant time in the AHL is the standard development path for all but the most elite prospects.

Coronato is the only who one who is playing kind of high but why put him on the third line on a team that will be in the bottom

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by Bonded

Who are they filling them with?

I don't know, but I suspect the GM will do something revolutionary like make a trade, or sign a free agent or two. You can't seriously believe they would just shrug their shoulders, and enter the season with this group, do you? Major changes will be made.

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

[VilleN]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Kings didn't take that long nor have the last couple of expansion teams that started with nothing outside of a roster of castoffs.

The expansion teams haven't really been filled with cast-offs. They've been mainly filled by 2nd-3rd line type guys, and 2nd and 3rd pairing Dmen -what this has lead to to is teams with enough depth to seriously compete. In Vegas's case they lucked into some pretty high end talent, Marchessault, Karlsson, Tuch, Fleury - etc... I'd completely replace Calgary's roster under expansion rules, no question.

[rhino]

Originally Posted by dino7c

When those guys are 2nd in NHL scoring they can get a big bag too

Agreed “those guys” at the point of needing extensions entering their final year hadn’t done anything to deserve 10 million. Johnnys 2nd last season was not great and seems to fold in the playoffs.

[Vinny01]

I think people are seeing Backlund-Lindholm wanting out in addition to Hanifin and that is 2 of our top 3 scorers and centers wanting out. Tough to see a path to competing with both Lindholm/Backlund not staying. Let’s see what Connie does here but really tough to see a path to contention if the top 3 of the 7 want out. Also any of the other 7 may also want out now if none of the top 3 all say no

[heep223]

Treliving

[Hot_Flatus]

So Backlund, Lindholm and Hanifin now do not want to extend - if there was ever a more clear sign it is time to switch gears it is now. It is becoming crystal clear that there are issues that go far beyond Sutter with this team.

Conroy should be doing everything he can to bring in a haul of picks in this and next years draft for these guys (and others like Toffoli, Tanev and Zadorov).

[jlh2640]

Backlund if he truly wants out, then see ya !

[Calgary4LIfe]

I at least hope that the Flames aren't a cap team, and finally use the cap to their advantage in gaining further assets. That was supposed to happen with Feaster, and it never transpired (though in fairness, compliance buyouts were a thing that year).


Backlund is my favourite player on the team, and I will miss him, but this is really a blessing in my eyes as I wanted a rebuild. That's the strength of this organization, and I hope that this time around Conroy is a much more shrewd GM than Treliving was and doesn't get into the habit of trading away too many picks and signing too much dead weight.


I guess we will have to see what really happens, but I imagine that Conroy is having an incredibly stressful time thus far as the GM with players leaning (or outright stating) that they are not going to re-sign. I think in the long run, this will all get sorted out, and I very much believe that Conroy will steer this team in the right direction in the seasons to come. Rough waters ahead for sure for now, however.

[Bingo Jr.]

Fire sale!

[1_Flames_Fan]

Trade all three for a significant return of assets. Honestly if they don't want to be here barring a gross over-payment f*** em!

[memphusk]

Excellent. Less fossil fuel on this team the better. New guys with new attitudes could be a real nice start.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by Textcritic

I don't know, but I suspect the GM will do something revolutionary like make a trade, or sign a free agent or two. You can't seriously believe they would just shrug their shoulders, and enter the season with this group, do you? Major changes will be made.

Sent from my SM-G986W using Tapatalk

Depends. I’d hope if they lose all the UFAs they wouldn’t fill the roster with crappy players. If they pull off good re-tool trades then I’ll be happily surprised but if they go re-tool trades then I don’t see much of path beyond another 10-15 finish.

[Skyceman]

Makes you wonder if the Gaudreau situation was a bitter result that leaked to teamates causing a ripple effect.

[madmike]

I think a forced blowup would be the best thing to happen to the team. It’ll make for some painful hockey for a few years though.

I don’t begrudge Backlund wanting to leave. He probably wants to compete in the playoffs and push for a Cup before the end of his career and that isn’t likely to happen in Calgary.

[Saqe]

Originally Posted by dino7c

When those guys are 2nd in NHL scoring they can get a big bag too

I mean, Huberdeau was never worth 10.5 million either, he got paid based on a 115 point season which was over 25% uptick in his normal production. Even thinking his 90 point seasons would continue when he is 30+ is rather generous.

[Mr.Coffee]

could not be more obvious what to do now.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Skyceman

Makes you wonder if the Gaudreau situation was a bitter result that leaked to teamates causing a ripple effect.

I feel more like the Tkachuk situation (or Bennett) is more of a catalyst. I remember early in the season when the Flames played the Panthers there was a Tkachuk interview and he said all his former teammates were jealous of him. Tkachuk likely couldn’t feel better about his decision to leave after the run he just had.