Flames' Sign Backlund - Opportunity to Prove Himself
Posted 8:27 PM ET | Comments 3
Today, Mikael Backlund was signed to a one-year, one-way deal worth $725,000. Up until yesterday, negotiations had gone nowhere. JP Barry, Backlunds' agent told me "We have not yet made any progress". Just a few hours later, I get a text from him "Progress is being made".
When I checked with him this morning, he said a one-year deal is on the table, ready to be accepted. A few hours later, the deal was announced.
Backlund was looking for a two year deal, however, Feaster wants to give Backlund a chance to prove that he is top-six material. Should he prove that this year, a lengthier contract is on the books for next year.
Obviously wanting to stay in Calgary, Backlunds' heart was always set on resigning in cowtown.
Last season, Backlund had an injury-filled year, putting up 11 points in 41 games. This was supposed to be his breakout year, as Backlund said in the pre-season that he was more ready than ever. An injured finger affected his play a lot more than anticipated.
He needs to come to camp more ready than ever this year, or this could be his last year in Calgary. He has undeniable skill, but an undetermined ceiling.
I know this blog is short, just thought i'd update you (like many others have) on how things went down.
Stay tuned for other blogs on the Flames' off-season activities.
Follow me @RyanHolmerNHL
When I checked with him this morning, he said a one-year deal is on the table, ready to be accepted. A few hours later, the deal was announced.
Backlund was looking for a two year deal, however, Feaster wants to give Backlund a chance to prove that he is top-six material. Should he prove that this year, a lengthier contract is on the books for next year.
Obviously wanting to stay in Calgary, Backlunds' heart was always set on resigning in cowtown.
Last season, Backlund had an injury-filled year, putting up 11 points in 41 games. This was supposed to be his breakout year, as Backlund said in the pre-season that he was more ready than ever. An injured finger affected his play a lot more than anticipated.
He needs to come to camp more ready than ever this year, or this could be his last year in Calgary. He has undeniable skill, but an undetermined ceiling.
I know this blog is short, just thought i'd update you (like many others have) on how things went down.
Stay tuned for other blogs on the Flames' off-season activities.
Follow me @RyanHolmerNHL
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15 Jarome Iginla: His importance to Calgary
16 What the Calgary Flames' should do
20 Why Calgary and Feaster have Impressed me
20 Flames' Quick Hits + Takeaways from Last Game
22 Flames' Takeaways + Notes:
24 Flames vs. Sharks: Post-game notes
27 Morrison to Chicago...Who is this Connelly kid anyways?
16 What the Calgary Flames' should do
20 Why Calgary and Feaster have Impressed me
20 Flames' Quick Hits + Takeaways from Last Game
22 Flames' Takeaways + Notes:
24 Flames vs. Sharks: Post-game notes
27 Morrison to Chicago...Who is this Connelly kid anyways?
i like it... not a flames fan but a low risk cost for a potential blast of a player.
backlund is a bust
Backlund has not lived up to his offensive billing, when drafted he was the #2 euro ranked skater. He has however been the best center the Flames had at driving play so perhaps he gets a bit more lucky this year.