It isn't a Backlund dislike, it's this organization hanging onto assets too damn long. They did the same thing with Jarome. They repeatedly work with players when they do want to go to take less to appease the player. Jumping to the conclusion I "dislike" Backlund because the team would be better off moving on is the real insanity here.
There is absolutely zero reason a player can't play out his career here, retire and we don't get anything for them. Maybe if we built something around star players, and drafted another one or two over 20 years we wouldn't be so worried a draft pick when the guy hits 35. You think Colorado or Detroit gives a crap they let Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk, Steve Yzerman and Niklas Lidstrom.
Have you seen the first round picks the Flames made while they had Jarome Iginla? Maybe if they made a few of those count and built a team around him this wouldn't be a concern for you.
...and also, Jarome Iginla lead the Bruins in scoring the next season with 30 goals, then did the same thing with Colorado the next season with 29. He was still insanely valuable at the time but had a NMC and used it to its full extent.
Precisely my point, we are not a retirement club. With that said, Backlund has played great this season. He is somehow a team leading +11, and that is a remarkable statistic given how poor this team is. Bums like Coronato are -27.
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Time to hang up the skates if that is the case. The Calgary Flames are not a retirement club.
So, every aging vet who's not on a contender should quit? Players who have kids should not think that's the most important thing to them?
And it was a "maybe". There are others. Maybe he thinks he can play til 40 and the team will be good. Maybe he thinks he can't play on a contender now, but he can help the Flames to become one after he's done.
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Every response is exactly why this team will never win as long as it keeps the sentimental mindset instead of the what's better for the team mindset. Backlund is another Shame Doan, a guy that chooses familiarity and comfort over a desire to win. That's exactly how people remember Roan and it's how they will remember Backlund too. Is that really the attitude an example you want a captain to show young players? Is it his right, absolutely. Does it show a lack of a desire to succeed and win? Absolutely
I'll remember Backlund as the guy who showed up to camp every year as the fittest guy, even at his age. And then drew all the toughest matchups with a lot of d-zone starts, didn't get much power play time and yet still never complains and always shows up.
He's also the best guy to put young players with as they always perform on his line (Bennetts multi goal game ie) and he's basically the type of guy any team wants as he plays the right way and represents the team the right way. Imagine if the Oilers had a guy like him to help the loser twins along.
I'll always have room for Backlund on my team!
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When can we expect Tyson Gross in the lineup? Last I heard he was still in Minnesota wrapping up school.
During the game last night, Francis said Gross was planning on flying to Calgary today. Now, obviously, the Flames are on the road until Monday, so he won't be with the team until at least Tuesday. I suspect he'll get a few practices before actually getting into a game.
After this trip, they have a six-game home stand followed by a six-game road trip, followed by the final three home games. They'll probably want him to play his first game at home, so my guess is it will be near the end of the upcoming home stand.
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Peplinski and Loob are the only retired players with at least 400 NHL games played who played them all with the Flames.
I didn’t count Loob because even though we were his only NHL team, he played in Sweden both before and after his NHL stint with us. But definitely forgot about Pepper, so thank you!
So Backs would effectively be the second to play his entire career with us should he retire here.
It isn't a Backlund dislike, it's this organization hanging onto assets too damn long. They did the same thing with Jarome. They repeatedly work with players when they do want to go to take less to appease the player. Jumping to the conclusion I "dislike" Backlund because the team would be better off moving on is the real insanity here.
A team with 2 players left from the 2022 season conclusion is hanging on to players too long?
You've had little digs on Backlund for years. It's not insane to question disrespect for the player by saying he's taking up a spot.
Just replying to your words.
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I think Backlund knows that his legacy is probably better as a lifelong Flame than it is if he goes and chases a Stanley Cup with a team as a bottom 6 forward with no guarantee that he's going to win anyways
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I didn’t count Loob because even though we were his only NHL team, he played in Sweden both before and after his NHL stint with us. But definitely forgot about Pepper, so thank you!
So Backs would effectively be the second to play his entire career with us should he retire here.
No, if he does, he'll be the third.
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Peplinski and Loob are the only retired players with at least 400 NHL games played who played them all with the Flames.
Looking at the all time list I think you could lower games played to 200 and you’d still have the same guys. Unless Dubé never plays again then he’d be included.
