Can Backlund at RW be the Answer?

[Niemo]

Backlund has played on the wing quite a bit in international play. I dont remember if it was RW or LW mostly, but I thought it was both. Backlunds FO ability is now the worse (by far) of our top 4 Centers. I've been reading a lot from Carolina fans that Elias Lindholm plays better at C than RW.

Can Backlund be our answer at RW for Johnny and Monahan? Or Tkachuk and Lindholm?

[GullFoss]

Best thread ever.

[Scroopy Noopers]

https://mobile.twitter.com/wyshynski...84248789925888

[GranteedEV]

Having Backlund play wing with Monahan makes no sense - he's a better defensive zone player, puck carrier, backchecker, etc. It's the definition of square peg / round hole. It'd be like somewhat putting Patrice Bergeron on David Backes' wing.

[djsFlames]

No but i think he should be our 3C, not 2C.

If we could come up with a couple good right wingers (FA, amd i think Foo could be the other), ideally Monahan, lindholm and backlund are the top three centers.

[flambers]

No, Backlund is a perfect 3rd line center.

Flames need to figure out how to find the missing two pieces.

[H2SO4(aq)]

I give you credit for outside the box thinking, but in my opinion I think you’re being a bit too creative here. Leave backlund in the middle. Lindholm will find a place on the roster in due time

[ComixZone]

What the...

Our head coach has said he has Lindholm penciled in on the first line RW, so...yeah, let’s move Backlund there?

[topfiverecords]

Would rather have Brodie up there.

[killer_carlson]

Backlund as RW works if Tavares is the center

[Zulu29]

Nah, leave backs at centre and hopefully pick up JVR or Neal for RW duties. I truly feel Lindholm will succeed at #1 RW duties.

[Dion]

I like Backlund where he is now. A third line centre whose job is to cover the other teams top line.

[dissentowner]

Originally Posted by flambers

No, Backlund is a perfect 3rd line center.

Flames need to figure out how to find the missing two pieces.

What two pieces? All I see is a need for another scoring RW. I also think Jankowski will be ready to be our number 2 centre though

[Manhattanboy]

Honest question. With the acquisition of Lindholm do you look at moving Backlund for a winger?

[savardandjokinen]

Backlund is a centre and centre only. Same with Monahan.

[Monahan For Mayor]

Originally Posted by Manhattanboy

Honest question. With the acquisition of Lindholm do you look at moving Backlund for a winger?

I don't know if Lindholm is capable of being the shut down centre. I do know Janko can't. I don't think we can't trade him unless Janko really steps it up. I don't see Backlund living his contract out as a Flame tho.

[DropIt]

Originally Posted by dissentowner

What two pieces? All I see is a need for another scoring RW. I also think Jankowski will be ready to be our number 2 centre though

Based on what? He was extremely average last year and playoff teams don't have 25 point players centering their 2nd line.

[Enoch Root]

Backlund's value as a defensive C goes largely unappreciated by a significant portion of the fanbase.

But I'll say it again, I like the idea of Lindholm on Backlund's wing.

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by DropIt

Based on what? He was extremely average last year and playoff teams don't have 25 point players centering their 2nd line.

Vegas never said, "can't do" I hope all the guys are ready to step up this season.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Backlund is our best two-way centre. No way you move him to the wing.

However I would like Tkachuk moved off his wing and onto another line. Backlund's line is usually deployed as an elite two-way checking line and I'd like to see Tkachuk help drive a secondary offensive line.