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

[Brad Marsh]

Originally Posted by AustinL_NHL

Backlund has scored at an above 40 point pace 5 times in his career + a 50 point season.

Backlund has also scored at a 47-53 point pace over his last 3 seasons and that's despite the numbers showing he's been incredibly unlucky this season. It's fine if you don't think he's been unlucky but the numbers are proof.

Having one of the very best defensive players in the NHL on your team who can score 50+ points a season for only $5.35M a season is a steal.

Even if you only look at his point totals and rely on the eye test (although though's are always incredibly biased), he's still worth the payday. But in the analytics community, he's worth much more than what he got and it's simply a steal of a deal.

But Backlund has never demonstrated that he can be a consistent 50 point player. At 29, there is a chance that his best offensive years are behind him.

But even if there is more offensive upside in his game, how many more years do you realistically think it's going to continue to be there?

I agree with everything else. Today and for the next couple of years this is a great deal.

My only contention, is that when he is 33 or 34 or 35, and putting up fewer than 50 points, probably much fewer, and playing in a third line depth role, how excited will we all be about his $5.35M/yr?

I just think that should be taken into account when evaluating the contract today. And I appreciate that some of you have done that and still love it! (I just don't love it as much).

[BloodFetish]

Originally Posted by streetglide

This is all great and good but....I wonder if anyone has asked what Brad Marsh thinks? Cause that's the most important thing to consider right now

He's expressed his opinion and is supporting it. You don't have to agree, just like you didn't have to make a drive-by post.

[JohnnyB]

Not sure how anyone can really see this as a poor deal in the context of this league. There are no perfect contracts, but there's nothing about this deal with this player that doesn't seem like at least a stable and solid deal.

[Brad Marsh]

nM

[GoJetsGo]

Originally Posted by Brad Marsh

I just think that should be taken into account when evaluating the contract today. And I appreciate that some of you have done that and still love it! (I just don't love it as much).

The problem with this is you're not taking into account this crux comes hand in hand with contracts for players in this age range in the current NHL.

Suggestions it would have been nice to see the contract two years shorter aren't very productive because the dollar amount would substantially increase.

This is a league wide conundrum in retaining players.

Bottom line is we just weren't in a position to lose him now or over the next few years, and this situation comes with the territory.

[bizaro86]

Originally Posted by Brad Marsh

So I don't hate the deal, I'm just concerned about the term. You can certainly make an argument that the Flames did the right thing today.

If it were me, and it seems like the majority here will be glad that it's not, I would have went for option #2.

But I'm not of the opinion that the Flames are a real contender this year anyway. I would have traded him. I think the Flames could have recouped a first rounder + for him at the deadline.

I actually don't mind the Flames depth at centre right now (and still believe that Bennett is part of that depth). Could have used this money to upgrade scoring on the wings.

But I also am happy to have Backlund. Could there have been a 4th option that saw a deal for higher AAV but shorter term? We may never know.

The first you get for Backlund is most likely going to be a low first from a contender. Maybe best case you get a mid first from a bubble playoff team. So in a few years, if you're lucky, you might get a player as good as Backlund out of it.

You're not getting Arizona's first for him.

[foshizzle11]

I think this is great. I thought it was going to be higher to be honest. Like others said, he does the heavy lifting and deserves this.

In 3ish years when he I think he drops to the 3rd line because I think Janko takes over that 2nd line spot. So the regression IMO is fine and the GM has planned it well.

So glad he isn't being traded or walking away after that season, great job BT, I don't think anyone will regret this signing when 6 years is up.

[Brad Marsh]

Originally Posted by GoJetsGo

The problem with this is you're not taking into account this crux comes hand in hand with contracts for players in this age range in the current NHL.

Suggestions it would have been nice to see the contract two years shorter aren't very productive because the dollar amount would substantially increase.

This is a league wide conundrum in retaining players.

Bottom line is we just weren't in a position to lose him now or over the next few years, and this situation comes with the territory.

I suppose that's true. Most teams have a contract or two where the term is a year or two too long. Maybe there just isn't another way.

We are there now with Brower and Stajan. We are likely to be there with Giordano and now Backlund. But I hear what you're saying, because I do like our team right now with Gio and Backlund. The price of admission I suppose.

It's too bad though, because can you imagine the scoring depth we could have on the wing if we were somehow able to avoid the lower value portions of these kinds of deals?

I also concede that teams do need veteran leadership, and Backlund will provide that in spades in those final couple of years.

[Brad Marsh]

Originally Posted by bizaro86

The first you get for Backlund is most likely going to be a low first from a contender. Maybe best case you get a mid first from a bubble playoff team. So in a few years, if you're lucky, you might get a player as good as Backlund out of it.

You're not getting Arizona's first for him.

But that's the whole premise behind trading vets on expiring contracts. Renewing your prospect base, and trying to get assets from players that are nearing that post-apex stage of their career.

I readily agree that the prospect is not likely to be better than Backlund is now (he's a great player now), but not even Backlund in 3-4 years will be the player he is now. And this contract is for six!

At least with a draft pick you have a player entering his prime in 3-4 years.

But as I said, love it that Backlund is on the team. If this is the price of admission, I understand why the team did this deal. I'm just not putting this one in the wizard category.

[Timbo]

Backlund’s new contract term is just the cost of doing business. Difficult to seeing it going any other way IMO.

[Mr.Coffee]

Everybody knows how good Backlund is on both sides of the ice.

This is a pretty damn good deal I think, as if he went to the market he'd be getting the same term but higher dollars. He's a key piece of the team, fits in well with the city, organization and is obviously huge in the community. No problem whatsoever with this deal, he's a special player and I think the Flames are lucky to have him.

Treliving is a good negotiator.

[IGGYFORMVP]

Originally Posted by getbak

Wow, the wizard even wears Harry Potter glasses. Damn.

[Mr.Coffee]

Not a bad life he's got himself there...

[Mista_Incognito]

Where ru Where ru Chris O'Sullivan

[Red Ice Player]

This is a great signing. Backlund deserved to get paid yet the hit was very reasonable, if not a home town discount. All it took was one extra year of term to get it done, bravo Brad! I think he'll earn every penny of his salary through the entire six years. And if he declines near the end, he's already given the organization several quality seasons at a bargain price.

[kukkudo]

Im not going to say its a good deal or a bad deal. It's okay would of rather had 4-5 years with the AV at 5.5M

[Split98]

This is an incredible signing!

[Jay Random]

I'm not crazy about the sixth year either, but let's face it, Backlund had the leverage and used it. Have you seen this year's crop of UFA centres? Stastny, Eller, Bozak, Plekanec are the cream of the crop according to The Hockey News. (I'll be gobsmacked if Tavares makes it to July 1 unsigned.)

With the number of teams that will be looking to sign a centre this summer, Jeff Shantz could make a comeback and somebody would be tempted to pay him.

If I think of this as $5.35m x 5 years for Backlund's services, and another $5.35m to take him off the market, I don't mind the deal.

[Greybeard]

Backs for 5.35x6 I like a whole lot more than Drai at 8.5x8.... Even with the age difference. Let's face it good two way centres are a highly sought after commodity. He would have got this or more on the market and we would have paid more to replace him.

[Red Ice Player]

I believe Mickael Backlund will be effective longer than many think. Combined with obvious skill, smarts and tenacity is the fact that he's a very fast skater. Being fast bodes well for longevity in this league.