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

[Jiggy_12]

Important to remember he likely gets this if not more on the open market this summer, so we are likely below market value.

Not to mention the glaring gaping hole this team would have at C without him. His value to us is even greater than to most other teams

[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.

[868904]

Backlund should thank Sam Bennett.

Flames had no choice but to pay up.

[Heavy Jack]

With the cap going up to 80 mill this is right in line with what players like backs get when their contract year is underway. He would have commanded this or more on the open market easily; it’s not like he isn’t comfortable here in fact I think we see a more relaxed and engaged Backlund for the rest of the season here with this behind him.

Great value - maybe 1 year too long but so what the guy is awesome and underrated criminally at times.

[Hey Connor, It's Mess]

Backlund at 5.35 until he's 35 isn't the most appealing thing in the world.

[Housley4Prez]

We're going to love him for the first 4, and mutter out loud about him for the last 2, probably.

He'll earn the nickname Mikey Franchise, when he's working that 3rd and 4th line duty... but we'll still love him.

[Brad Marsh]

The game is getting younger and quicker. That's a lot of money committed to a player on the wrong side of 30 for most of that contract. Even now, Backlund's best years are likely behind him. I like Backlund, but the term is too long.

[Jiggy_12]

NM double post

[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.

[Lanny'sDaMan]

Pierre LeBrun‏Verified account @PierreVLeBrun 2m2 minutes ago




Pierre LeBrun Retweeted Calgary Flames
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.

[colbym72]

By the end of his contract I bet the cap is far higher than it will be even next year so it won't hurt as much as some think at the end

[devo22]

would have prefered 5 years, but like the AAV. Great signing, he's earned it ... really glad he stays in Calgary.

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Originally Posted by belsarius

Not to thrilled about the term, Takes him to 35 I think? Was hoping for more like 4 years But it's probably what kept the price under 6 mil. One of the best two way centers in the league. Glad to have him locked up for the window.

And if you are firm on 4 years, he walks and gets the term somewhere else.

Sometimes you gotta give in or you walk away. As long as his ask isn't totally unreasonable, you can't let a big piece of this core walk away.

[Heavy Jack]

I’m mean look at Stajan, the guy has been big at times for us this year and mostly over th last 15 games during the 2nd half push. Backs is going more of a player than Stajan at that point in his career no doubt. I dig the deal.

[Machiavelli]

They really didn't have much of a choice on this one.

[calumniate]

It's ok, 35 is the new 30 (So I tell myself!)

[getbak]

https://twitter.com/user/status/964663720923164672

[TheScorpion]

Terrific! Bigger contract than I perhaps would've anticipated but he deserves it.

[btimbit]

I like it. Doesn't strike me as a guy that would slow down so much in his early 30s.

[Jiggy_12]

Will only be paid 1.35 more than Kris Russell per year, a very important perspective to never forget