Barkov ranked #2?

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Backlund looks like could be as good as Langkow or Conroy, possibly better. He's not gonna to be a prototypical #1 centre but probably will be a guy who can be effective as a team's top centre much like Conroy and Langkow were.

A Jankowki + Backlund combo or Lindholm/Monahan/Barkov + Backlund combo should be the best one-two punch we've had at the position since the early 90's.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I thought so too, prior to this season. This year's Backlund has shown a lot more confidence and willingness to step up to the plate though. Call me crazy, but if he continues to progress at the same rate as he did from last season to this season, he just might be our #1C next season.

If you mean Backlund will likely be OUR #1 centre next year, I agree.

If you mean Backlund is actually an NHL caliber #1 centre, then I will take you up on your offer and call you crazy.

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by dammage79

I could see the Flames still taking Barkov if they win the Lottery. Call me crazy if you want.

Naw, they would trade down for an extra 2nd rounder like usual. This year I'd be okay with it though as long as they traded down within the top 5.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

If you mean Backlund will likely be OUR #1 centre next year, I agree.

If you mean Backlund is actually an NHL caliber #1 centre, then I will take you up on your offer and call you crazy.

Oh... Yeah, I suppose I should separate the two. He's not what I would call a "bona fide" #1C, but I could quite easily see this team going forward with him in that role. I actually think he'd be able to center a pretty good line, but that's relevant to the team here in Calgary - not the rest of the teams in the NHL.

Look at Conroy here with Iginla, or Morrison with Naslund and Bertuzzi. Connie and Morrison are not considered #1Cs by any stretch, but given the right circumstances, they were able to center a #1 line quite well. Langkow's been mentioned in the same vein, too. This is kinda what I'm getting at with Backlund. He might be more of a Conroy than a Spezza, but a Conroy with an Iginla is still pretty frickin good... and Backlund has a Baertschi.

That's what I meant by my original comment. Iginla has had wingers he can play with, but other than Connie for a few years, Savard for a couple years, Langkow for one year, Morrison for half a year, Jokinen for one period, he's never had a steady #1C. Backlund and Baertschi have shown potential chemistry together, and it would be ironic if, five years down the road, people are talking about the club's inability to get them a #1RW.

[868904]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

I thought so too, prior to this season. This year's Backlund has shown a lot more confidence and willingness to step up to the plate though. Call me crazy, but if he continues to progress at the same rate as he did from last season to this season, he just might be our #1C next season.

You are crazy! Backlund was a healthy scratch last game!

[Ark2]

I like the idea of Backlund as our second line centre. I think he's got a strong 2way game that he should continue to develop and if he continues to put up decent points, he will fill the role very well. Don't see him being offensive enough for the first line, but hey, who knows?

[BACKCHECK!!!]

I will be extremely happy if the Flames pick Barkov. Even if they win the lottery.

I don't really buy the notion of a player having a clear 'ceiling' (unless there is some visible reason that he won't progress, ie too small for the game he plays).

All you can really look at is where they are at now, their recent progress, and any definable expected progress (ie if the kid is still growing and his parents are both huge).

From what little I've seen, and supplementing that with box-score stats, I think Barkov is currently playing at the highest level right now. He has also made tremendous progress over the past year, and is already NHL sized.

No real reason that I can see to pick anyone else over him, except for the fallacy that being a slicker-looking skater somehow makes you a better player.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Ironically, with Backlund at C and Baertschi at LW, it looks like now all we need is a RW...

If you take a look at past Stanley Cup winners, I think you will find a majority of them have TWO first line quality Centres. (and I don't think Backlund has proven to be a bonafide #1C by any stretch of the imaginiation)

[BACKCHECK!!!]

Regarding the no 1 C discussion, Boston doesn't have anyone that I would call a "bonafide #1C".

Bergeron and Krejci are both 20-ish goal and 50-60 point guys, with a strong 2-way game.

That's pretty much what I expect from Backlund moving forward.

Now we just need two of him, a Vezina-calibre goalie, an all-world defenceman, and a strong supporting cast.

[saillias]

Originally Posted by Major Major

wow... How do you climb draft rankings while you're out with a shoulder injury? Impressive

This

Why is Barkov generating hype while injured?

My favourites haven't changed. Mackinnon and Drouin. I would trade up to get one of them, if a deal was available.