Mikael Backlund - Flames most underrated player?

[Erick Estrada]

He was drafted in hopes he would one day be a 2nd line center but he's turned into a nice 3rd line center and utility player. Not nearly as good as some Flames fans think but when he's playing well he's an important role player for the team.

[kirant]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

He was drafted in hopes he would one day be a 2nd line center but he's turned into a nice 3rd line center and utility player. Not nearly as good as some Flames fans think but when he's playing well he's an important role player for the team.

I think he's probably a 3rd line centre on a good playoff team. A poor team like the Flames last season likely would play him in the 2nd line (where he put up 45+ points). He has the offensive talent to play there but isn't consistent enough with them to make him a threat you'd want for the higher quality minutes the 2nd line gets.

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I've been quite happy with the way Backlund has turned out for the Flames. I remember Hartley's first full season with the Flames and Backlund ended up in the stands more often than not or getting 4th line duties. He went from that to a reliable, jack of all trades 3rd line centre who can competently step up into the top 6 if injuries occur.

He seems to love the Flames and the Flames love him back. He'll be one of those players that fans and local broadcast teams (ex - Hrudey) will sing praises to the confusion of other team's fans.

This season has been great for Backlund as he's starting to add a strength component to his game and it's giving him new offensive tools to try out. You can see him attempt to use his body to protect the puck while cutting towards the slot...and it works to a decent degree.

[doctajones428]

And this is why I bought a Backlund jersey... 7 years ago. It took him longer to develop than I hoped but I knew he was going to be good

[puckedoff]

He's having a good game. I'll give you that. But its a BORING good game. All steak no sizzle.

[EVERLAST]

He reminds me a past under appreciated players such as

Colin Patterson

Perry Berezan

Stephan Yelle ....yeah adored by most I think

He's done well for sure and done really well with Frolik

[FlamesFan68]

Backlund is not a flashy offensive player, he's a reliable 2 way forward. Which is great! I marvel at his speed, his tenacity defending, his faceoffs have improved greatly last few years. He definitely could be a solid 2nd line center at this point, perhaps even 1st if there is more offensive growth in him.