What will Babs yield? I think the Islanders would give us a pick for him so they can reach the floor. Plus the Islanders are weak on defense. Maybe a 3rd?
Detroit will need a pp specialist now that Lindstrom has retired. Maybe a 4th from Detroit?
I believe they will be like Zajac and Parise (not in terms of playing style) but the fact that Backlund will be just good enough to keep up with Sven.
Excellent comparison, I agree 100%. But I actually think they resemble each others playing style to with Parise being more well rounded defensively and Sven being more of a sniper. All in all, if these 2 can get to that level I'll be very happy.
Each year I cringe more and more at Backlunds development. 1 year at 725 I can tolerate. However, if by mid-season the guy still hasn't progressed, package him up with Bouwmeester. Bouwmeesters contract would be a bit more enticing to take on with a young prospect going with him. Backlund will probably fluirsh under another system, or even a full season or 2 or heck 3 in the AHL.
Each year I cringe more and more at Backlunds development. 1 year at 725 I can tolerate. However, if by mid-season the guy still hasn't progressed, package him up with Bouwmeester. Bouwmeesters contract would be a bit more enticing to take on with a young prospect going with him. Backlund will probably fluirsh under another system, or even a full season or 2 or heck 3 in the AHL.
I don't know how you can "cringe" at Backlunds development. His first NHL season he played 73 games and collected 25 points, which isn't too bad as a rookie. This past season, he had an injury, so IMO, I would write it off. Though, if he doesn't live up to par this season, I would package him up with Jbo, as you said. But even then, it would be hard to let him go.
Flames screwed up there last 3 top forward prospects IMO. Boyd, Lombardi and now Backlund. Can't expect them to catch fire offensively playing with our tough guys on the 3/4 lines.
Flames screwed up there last 3 top forward prospects IMO. Boyd, Lombardi and now Backlund. Can't expect them to catch fire offensively playing with our tough guys on the 3/4 lines.
Backlund will break out.
This Keenan and Sutter both played the rookies in checking roles and they never development their offensive game. I have faith that Backlund will break out this year if given a chance.
Flames screwed up there last 3 top forward prospects IMO. Boyd, Lombardi and now Backlund. Can't expect them to catch fire offensively playing with our tough guys on the 3/4 lines.
Backlund will break out.
Completely agree. You don't develop race horses by harnessing them to a wagon. The Flames always go to the auction, select a thoroughbred with some potential and then team it with the Clydesdales. You have to give credit to the Oilers, they know what to do with players with skill. Let them play their game and not try to turn them into Mike Peca.
Completely agree. You don't develop race horses by harnessing them to a wagon. The Flames always go to the auction, select a thoroughbred with some potential and then team it with the Clydesdales. You have to give credit to the Oilers, they know what to do with players with skill. Let them play their game and not try to turn them into Mike Peca.
Yes and no as per the oiler comment. Despite what some Flames fans think, I absolutely love the game that Ales Hemsky plays. He used to take **** and abuse from Reggie, and he never quit. He NEVER was scared to go into the corners against any Flame. The guy is sick, and yes he has had injury problems and played with crap player IMO. I would love to have Hemsky playing with Cervanka.
Anyway my point is, I remember watching quite a few games this year and the Oilers were down by a goal with little time remaining and Hemsky was on the bench. To me that is the dumbest move ever. U have 3 kids out there against the winning teams shutdown. You go with proven players IMO.
That's like the flames putting out Baertschi, Backlund, and Cervanka with a minute left, while Iggy, Cammy and Tangs on the bench.
I do believe in putting your young talent in situations to succeed, unlike what the flames did with Boyd, Lombardi, etc. but you also have to allow them to see how the older, proven guys get it done. I don't think the oilers are smart. I think Hall shouldn't have played in the NHL when he did.
Look at Stamkos, look at Eberle, look at these young kids that spent that extra year in the minors. It's very beneficial.
Yes and no as per the oiler comment. Despite what some Flames fans think, I absolutely love the game that Ales Hemsky plays. He used to take **** and abuse from Reggie, and he never quit. He NEVER was scared to go into the corners against any Flame. The guy is sick, and yes he has had injury problems and played with crap player IMO. I would love to have Hemsky playing with Cervanka.
Anyway my point is, I remember watching quite a few games this year and the Oilers were down by a goal with little time remaining and Hemsky was on the bench. To me that is the dumbest move ever. U have 3 kids out there against the winning teams shutdown. You go with proven players IMO.
That's like the flames putting out Baertschi, Backlund, and Cervanka with a minute left, while Iggy, Cammy and Tangs on the bench.
I do believe in putting your young talent in situations to succeed, unlike what the flames did with Boyd, Lombardi, etc. but you also have to allow them to see how the older, proven guys get it done. I don't think the oilers are smart. I think Hall shouldn't have played in the NHL when he did.
Look at Stamkos, look at Eberle, look at these young kids that spent that extra year in the minors. It's very beneficial.
I agree with you about not rushing players but Stamkos went straight to the NHL, he just played limited minutes his first season, which paid off in spades.
I also don't think Hall will ever be the Caliber of player that Stamkos is, rushed or not
Flames screwed up there last 3 top forward prospects IMO. Boyd, Lombardi and now Backlund. Can't expect them to catch fire offensively playing with our tough guys on the 3/4 lines.
Backlund will break out.
To be fair to Lombo, I felt the guy never played quite the same after Derian Hatcher turned his brain to mush in the 03/04 playoff run.
