His new contract with the Flames is going to be real interesting. He's getting close to his last deal where by the Flames would still have free agency control. Another one year deal probably works best for him (if he thinks he's close to breaking out) and the team ( if they still aren't sure if he's for real).
I personally think with the way this team is headed (aka. rebuild), him being healthy throughout the season and having big minutes he'd be where he once was when he first broke into the league or close to it even...
As for your point about the AHL, there's pretty much zero chance our first pick sees any significant time in the AHL unless we take Barkov or Lindholm
I think Barkov is the one guy least likely to need AHL time of anyone in the early first round.
He is already 6'2" and 200-ish lbs.
He has two full seasons playing professional hockey against men. He is scoring at a point-per-game pace in a league that is quite close in quality to the AHL.
He doesn't need 'seasoning', he's a grown man, starting his 3rd year as a professional, coming off of a season as a top-10-in-the-league scorer, in a major professional elite league.
You think he needs time on the farm more than a kid straight out of juniors?
__________________
I am a lunatic whose world revolves around hockey and Oilers hate.
The Following User Says Thank You to BACKCHECK!!! For This Useful Post:
I think Barkov is the one guy least likely to need AHL time of anyone in the early first round.
He is already 6'2" and 200-ish lbs.
He has two full seasons playing professional hockey against men. He is scoring at a point-per-game pace in a league that is quite close in quality to the AHL.
He doesn't need 'seasoning', he's a grown man, starting his 3rd year as a professional, coming off of a season as a top-10-in-the-league scorer, in a major professional elite league.
You think he needs time on the farm more than a kid straight out of juniors?
I think about a half season in the ahl, just to get used to the smaller ice and more physical game might be good for his development. However I would want him surrounded with some talent to keep his confidence up.
He's had the right attitude despite set back after set back. Despite being solid defensively, he's still taken steps further in all zones and you can see the hustle starting to pay off.
One of the important players over the next few years me thinks. I've enjoyed watching his play this year.
He's been showing progress kind of like 2 steps forward and 1 step back his whole time as Flames property. It's been hard to get a good read on him but he's showing a lot of confidence despite some setbacks. We need patience with all our young players as we still don't know if he'll become a star. He's got enough tools to be a top centre in this league.
Backlund has earned his next contract 4 yrs @ 2M the kid has shown signs of growth in his game and next season with top minutes I only see better things.
Backlund has earned his next contract 4 yrs @ 2M the kid has shown signs of growth in his game and next season with top minutes I only see better things.
If Backlund is willing to accept 4 yrs @ 2M then the Flames should do it asap. Most likely it will be a 2 year deal.
__________________
The Following User Says Thank You to Fire For This Useful Post:
Didn't watch the game last night? Backlund's shot is above average I think.
The goal last night is my exact point. A shot maybe an inch of the ice, which Niemi should have had. A good placed shot is one thing, but they look so slow. ie. not an inch off the ice because it is placed there, because the shot isn't hard enough.
He may have a good shot, but in game it always is so weak when he actually needs it.
I like Backlund a lot, but I will say that his shot is pathetic.
Almost all his goals this year are on the ice, weak little wristers. I'd like for him to actually snipe a goal home for once.
Wait what? Most of his goals all looked like deceptively strong snipes this year.
Looks like he's finally making use of those more often than the past.
I think he has a decent looking shot and has way more control on his shot than some of the other Flames. I would rather the shot be decent strength and always be aimed at the net than being powerful but way off the mark.
He is still a developing player and has still not entired his prime. He probably peaks at a 60+ point player. Flames need to sign him to a two year contract and hopefully he can continue his improvement while playing injury free.
Wait what? Most of his goals all looked like deceptively strong snipes this year.
Looks like he's finally making use of those more often than the past.
Deceptively strong is a great way of putting it. It often doesn't look like he's getting much "zip" on his shots but the end result is often very effective. Even when he doesn't beat the goalie clean, his shots will often result in great rebound opportunities.
