[Signing] Backlund re-signs. 6 years, AAV $5.35M

[bubbsy]

I like Backlund, but to me, he's a defensive specialist with a lesser degree of offense.

I think the trend in the nhl is going to be more about players capable of generating offence, especially at the forward position. I also think salary allocation will trend similarly, if it hasn't already, in the sense that, teams will pay more for offense. What's the last team to give a defensive forward big contracts, that haven't regretted it?

I like Backlund, I think he's great at doing a lot of little things that don't receive a lot of fan fare. Unfortunately, I don't believe he's been a great offence generator, something I think he'll likely regress in even further over this lengthy term of contract.

Anyways, congrats to him. It's becoming increasingly important that the flames do some real damage and progress into a contender in the next few seasons.

[The Boy Wonder]

This seems about right. I don't really get the concerns about term, he plays with his brain and has first round pedigree. Great signing!

[Gaudreau is a Ninja]

Love it! I can't imagine what this team would look like without Backlund at center. Strength up the middle is so important! Great job Brad!

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Other bonus with Backlund is the mentorship angle. This guy struggled to gain his spot in the lineup, worked his butt off and did anything and everything to improve his game. That's a great resource for the younger players on this team.

[AustinL_NHL]

Absolute STEAL at that cap hit. Could've gotten so much more on the open market.

3M line forever!!

Anyone who doesn't like that contract needs to retire from this site immediately

[Displaced Flames fan]

Love guys that love being a Calgary Flame. That's Mikael Backlund.

[Ashasx]

good

[PeteMoss]

Originally Posted by Hey Connor, It's Mess

Backlund at 5.35 until he's 35 isn't the most appealing thing in the world and he's been so-so at times this year. That said, I do really like him and you can tell he loves being a Flame. He's the perfect example of why you stick with a guy through the growing pains. Hope he remains a Flame for his entire career.

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

I suppose it's the reality of the business but I'm not too fond of this contract as the guy has 9 goals and I think this is what we are going to see for the rest of the deal for the most part.

Look beyond the scoring stats.

The guy gets buried started in the defensive zone against all the best lines around. He and his line carries the play despite that. That lets Gaudreau and Monahan have easier match-ups and more offensive zone starts.

[direwolf]

Excellent signing. Term is maybe a year longer than I expected, but I'm ok with it. I have no dobut that Backs is gonna be a big part of our multiple Cup runs over the next few years.

[Ozy_Flame]

One way to think of our center depth is this way:

This year: Monahan at $6.375, Backlund at $3.575, Janko at $0.925, Stajan at $3.125 (Total: $14 million)
Next year: Monahan at $6.375, Backlund at $5.35, Janko at $1.5, Lomberg/Hrivik at $0.7 (Total: $13.925 million)

This assumes Janko on a bridge contract, and Stajan being done with the Flames.

[drewtastic]

Originally Posted by colbym72

Pierre LeBrun @PierreVLeBrun
29s
First year 2.0SB and 3.85salary for 5.85 total, second year same as first, year 3 4.35 salary, then three final years 5.35 salary. No Trade for 3 years, Modified NTC for final 3.

I've never really understood the complaints about Treliving as GM. Clauses like this are clever and important ways of providing guarantees for the team.

Sure, it may be somewhat difficult to move that contract later on if the Flames needed to, but at least this way there's an opportunity to do so in the final few years of the contract should Backlund and the team both need a fresh start.

Of course, here's to hoping that Backlund finishes the contract as a successful and championship-winning member of the Flames. Good job, Brad!

[Anduril]

Ryan Kesler got 6.875 for 6 years at 31yo (UFA)
Patrice Bergeron got 6.875 for 8 years 29yo
Paul Stastny got 7.0 for 4 years at 29YO (UFA)
Mikko Koivu got 6.75 for 7 years at 28yo

All of these were signed when the salary cap was at. If you feel Backlund is close to any of these guys, then this contract is both appropriate and I'd argue a decent deal for the Flames still.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by getbak

He hates the Canucks.

I hate the Canucks.

I like him.

Repeated because true

[JohnnyB]

Who is the last player that played their entire career as a Flame over anything like that length of time? Looking like that's his direction.

[jg13]

@MatchsticksCGY

Next season:
McDavid + Draisaitl = $21M
Gaudreau + Monahan + Ferland + Backlund = $20.225M

[Anduril]

For the lower spectrum of comparisons:

https://twitter.com/CapFriendly/stat...67696578203650

@CapFriendly: #Flames Mikael Backlund 6 year/$5.35M AAV closest comparables at Center:

Kyle Turris NAS - 6 x $6.0M
Frans Nielsen DET - 6 x $5.25M
Brandon Dubinsky CBJ - 6 x $5.8M
Bryan Little WPG - 6 x $5.291M

[GGG]

He'd have 6 x 6 from several teams on the open market so a pretty big discount.

We have this year and 4 more with Johnny Mony and Backs all together. I don't mind that at all. None are at a number that affect Tkachuk's 6-8x 6+

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I wouldn't mind a year or two less, but like others have said if you offered him 4 years he's probably playing somewhere else next year.

He's a very valuable part of the team, so nice to get this deal wrapped up. Happy he didn't get a full NTC or NMC, those can be killers. Good job, BT.

[fotiou22]

Solid deal for a Selke-caliber center, who bleeds red.

Originally Posted by Anduril

Ryan Kesler got 6.875 for 6 years at 31yo (UFA)
Patrice Bergeron got 6.875 for 8 years 29yo
Paul Stastny got 7.0 for 4 years at 29YO (UFA)
Mikko Koivu got 6.75 for 7 years at 28yo

All of these were signed when the salary cap was at. If you feel Backlund is close to any of these guys, then this contract is both appropriate and I'd argue a decent deal for the Flames still.

[Manhattanboy]

Know what? How about congratulations and best wishes on a great guy being locked down as a cornerstone of our favourite sports team.