[News] Backlund injured...again?!

[Cali Panthers Fan]

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[FAN]

Originally Posted by nik-

I hope he's shown enough his year to prove that he's part of the solution going forward. I feel he has, I hope Feaster and Co do too.

I don't see Backlund as a solution at all. I will wait for him to prove me wrong. Right now I see him as unproven and injury-prone who has consistently looked better than his production. He may or may not put it together but right now Backlund is the type of young player that nonplayoff teams spend years developing only to later trade them away because he can't help the team take the next step. I say don't be fooled by whatever puck possession numbers Backlund puts up.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by FAN

I don't see Backlund as a solution at all. I will wait for him to prove me wrong. Right now I see him as unproven and injury-prone who has consistently looked better than his production. He may or may not put it together but right now Backlund is the type of young player that nonplayoff teams spend years developing only to later trade them away because he can't help the team take the next step. I say don't be fooled by whatever puck possession numbers Backlund puts up.

We honestly don't know how good he can be yet. This year was the best year for him so far and he's so young still. My money has him being the 2nd line center for this team, and comfortably in that position too. We just need that 1st liner to make us solid at that position and my hope is that Jankowski is that guy. If not him, possibly our draft pick this year.

[JurassicTunga12]

Wow....

So injury prone. Dammit!

[Roof-Daddy]

Originally Posted by FAN

I don't see Backlund as a solution at all. I will wait for him to prove me wrong. Right now I see him as unproven and injury-prone who has consistently looked better than his production. He may or may not put it together but right now Backlund is the type of young player that nonplayoff teams spend years developing only to later trade them away because he can't help the team take the next step. I say don't be fooled by whatever puck possession numbers Backlund puts up.

He's done enough during his healthy time to deserve a chance to be part of the solution IMO.

He's been solid in every area of the ice except face offs (and staying healthy I guess), and is playing with confidence.

I think we've got a real solid two way #2 center in the making with Backlund, as long as he can put the injury woes behind him.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Hells Bells

Terrible.

This guy is more injury prone than Martin Havlat.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by FAN

I don't see Backlund as a solution at all. I will wait for him to prove me wrong. Right now I see him as unproven and injury-prone who has consistently looked better than his production. He may or may not put it together but right now Backlund is the type of young player that nonplayoff teams spend years developing only to later trade them away because he can't help the team take the next step. I say don't be fooled by whatever puck possession numbers Backlund puts up.

He's proven that when he's healthy he has the talent. Being brittle and injury prone would lead to the Flames to giving him a contract of one year, maybe 2 at the top.

[dammage79]

Backlund for sure is a part of the future. He's just our nicer version of Kesler is all.

When he draws in and gets minutes he is actually pretty effective. Really hope he isn't out for too long.

He is still pretty young at 23 so lets not chuck him in the dumpster yet. He still has two years IMO to get it together. And he's done a bang up job when healthy this year.

[Ashasx]

We don't have anybody who can replace Backlund anyway... not sure what people are even thinking about getting rid of him right now.

[Where ru Chris O'Sullivan]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

We don't have anybody who can replace Backlund anyway... not sure what people are even thinking about getting rid of him right now.

Not sure its about getting rid of him as it is the realization we cant rely on him.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

It's no longer just bad luck. Guy is made of glass and he's simply not an effective player because he can't stay healthy. He's the forward version of Dipetro. Completely irrelevant player cause he never plays.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Originally Posted by Ashasx

We don't have anybody who can replace Backlund anyway... not sure what people are even thinking about getting rid of him right now.

We don't have anyone else to sit in the press box and not be on he ice night after night? Seriously, literally a shadow could replace him because he never plays, the guy is a complete no factor cause he's always out of the line up.

[Kaine]

It really sucks hes injured again. But this is one of those I won't ever call a player out on as being "made of glass". The guy blocked a shot with no hesitation that could very well have ended up in the net. I wish more players on this team had as much heart.

"Made of glass"... you try blocking an NHL quality shot with the side of your skate and just shrug it off. If it breaks a bone (did it?) it breaks a bone, can't really help that by "being tough".

[sun]

FFS. I noticed he wasn't laughing or smiling on the bench when Glenny got his hattrick. Thought something might have been up.

[Alberta_Beef]

Originally Posted by Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

Makes you wonder if....

A) We'll ever see him play 70+ Games in a Season
B) He'll ever be able to get over a 25pt. plateau.

No clue why this team is so short at Centre.

Makes me wonder if....

A) You missed Backlund playing 73 games in 2010-11.
B) You paid any attention to how well he has been playing, for him to never surpass 25 points at his current pace he would only have to play 45 games.

No clue why you have to wonder such ridiculous things.

[Caged Great]

Backlund to me seems similar to Alex Steen with St. Louis. A quality defensive center that can put up a few points. At least his injuries have not been the same injury over and over. That is extremely useful, especially looking at our depth chart. The only centers that have potential to be a top 9 C are Bill Arnold and Jankowski, and each is likely two-three years away.

[vilzeh]

Originally Posted by Hells Bells

Terrible.

This guy is more injury prone than Sami Salo.

Fyp.

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by dammage79

He is still pretty young at 23 so lets not chuck him in the dumpster yet. He still has two years IMO to get it together. And he's done a bang up job when healthy this year.

He is going to be 24 in less than a day, not that it makes a huge difference just something to be aware of.

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by FAN

I don't see Backlund as a solution at all. I will wait for him to prove me wrong. Right now I see him as unproven and injury-prone who has consistently looked better than his production. He may or may not put it together but right now Backlund is the type of young player that nonplayoff teams spend years developing only to later trade them away because he can't help the team take the next step. I say don't be fooled by whatever puck possession numbers Backlund puts up.

I see Backlund's development in the Marcus Naslund-type, Swedish 'have patience' sense. It took about 5 years for Naslund to start putting up good numbers, but he looked very promising on the ice before that. Pittsburgh gave up on him too soon but Vancouver was patient & he ended up being a serious pain in the arse to play against & put up massive points. The Sedins took about 5 years to really hit their stride as well. I expect Backs to come through for us next year, but on a slightly less prolific level. I think he projects to be a 50-60 point 2nd line centre.

Can't complain about Backlund's play this year at all. I think he's looked much stronger & more confident. That Hudler/Backs/Comeau line looks really good, strangely enough! Unlucky with injuries though. The protective cast could just be a precaution so no need to panic...

[burn_this_city]

Poor guy, you have to wonder how much it impacts a players mental game.