Where do you think Backlund will play in 2008?

[flame3132]

NHL,WHL, or SEL?

[HotHotHeat]

Ahl?

[Ranchlander]

SEL. Berglund is further along in his development (St Louis Blue pick) and is one year older. He's still playing in Sweden.

[moon]

1. Whl
2. Sel


500. Nhl

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by Ranchlander

SEL. Berglund is further along in his development (St Louis Blue pick) and is one year older. He's still playing in Sweden.

... and still in AllSvenskan at that....

It will depend on whether VIK transfers Backlund's rights to an Elite Series team. Hopefully that happens. If not, I'd like to see him in Quad City. Should be some openings for a center there.

[PIMking]

any one thats a foward should be looking over there shoulder in the qc. I would love to see him here next year, He wouldnt have to fall under 20 years or older rule since hes a euro.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by PIMking

any one thats a foward should be looking over there shoulder in the qc. I would love to see him here next year, He wouldnt have to fall under 20 years or older rule since hes a euro.

While that's what I'd like to see (because he's already playing at a pro level), I do think he'll be in the SEL next season. Farjestad's Hakan Loob has admitted he'd love to get Backlund on his team. Remains to be seen, though.

The SEL is probably the best bet.

Incidentally, here's a Swedish article on Backlund. Sounds like he's off to some junior tourney in Russia later this month.

[Canada 02]

the 01/07/08 podcast with Darryl gives some insight into what he thinks of Backlunds development

[loknessmonsters]

Reports that I have read state that he will likely stay in Sweden and with Bergland coming to St Louis next year will have a shot to supplant him as the top C on the Vesteras team. The year after I see him in Calgary

[Reggie Dunlop]

Kelowna Rockets' boss hopeful Backlund heads to the 'Dub

“I think the Flames intent is to get him over here for a year to ride the buses and play some hockey in North America to get him ready,” said Hamilton. “If he doesn’t make the Flames, I would hope to see him with us. He’s a dynamic player.”

[MrMastodonFarm]

Good news, don't know if it makes it any more likely he is coming over but nice to see the Flames and the Rockets wishing he was coming over. If Backlund comes over next year it could be a huge year for him, alot more exposure to the North American game and the North American audience and another run at the World Juniors.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Originally Posted by MrMastodonFarm

Good news, don't know if it makes it any more likely he is coming over but nice to see the Flames and the Rockets wishing he was coming over. If Backlund comes over next year it could be a huge year for him, alot more exposure to the North American game and the North American audience and another run at the World Juniors.

I guess it shows that there's been some ongoing communication between the Rockets and the Flames. If Kelowna keeps an import slot open for him, then you'd have to think its a definite possibility.

Kid has to get signed, of course. Then there's transfer fee issues, which could rise due the lack of an NHL/Swedish Federation agreement. Backlund (I think) has another year to go on his Vasteras contract.

[iamca]

QC if possible. I would travel to Moline and take in a few games.

I think this kid is going to be really good.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Swedish article

I think it says that Elite Series squad Brynas has not talked to Backlund or his agent. With Vasteras remaining in AllSvenskan next year, maybe it's time for Backlund to move on.

[PIMking]

Please come to the QC next year.

to any of you Calgarians that want to come down to the qc for a game next year I will pick any of you up at the airport and transport to hotel and game if needed.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Any Swedish CalgaryPuckers here? I have a question...

How does it work with AllSvenskan loaning players to Elite Series teams? Is there financial compensation?

Just kind of curious. Vasteras might get more money allowing Backlund to come over to North America.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Swedish article

I think it says that Elite Series squad Brynas has not talked to Backlund or his agent. With Vasteras remaining in AllSvenskan next year, maybe it's time for Backlund to move on.

well, in terms of readiness, Sutter described Backlund and Turris as the two best centermen at the world juniors; he also said he was every bit as good as 19 yr old Berglund. Both Turris and Bergland will be in the NHL next season iirc. Of course what the Coyotes and Blues do with there prospects has no effect on what the Flames do; nevertheless, this suggests tht Backlund might be close to NHL ready

[loknessmonsters]

There is no doubt that Backlund has skill and that he and Turris were the two best in their age group at the U-20, but I still see him needing one more year of seasoning before he gets to play with the big club. One thing with Darryl is that he won't rush anyone into the lineup with the big club. I for one would like to see him in NA next year and Kelowna isn't a bad place to spend the winter.

[Reggie Dunlop]

It's hard to get a good read on the Flames intentions at this point for obvious reasons (tampering, as Sutter once pointed out in a radio interview). No doubt though, the WHL is considered top training ground by the organization.

[Canada 02]

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

Kelowna Rockets' boss hopeful Backlund heads to the 'Dub

"well, he'd win the scoring race, that's clear"