There were some pretty high scoring players in this latest world junior, when I looked at Canada and Sweden I noticed something not very talked about. Behind Tavares (8), Eberle (6) and Hodgson (5) the guy with the most goals on the otherside was Flames prospect Backlund (5). Eberle and hodgson each had an empty netter tonight as well.
I think it would be fair to say this Gold medal game was Backlund's worst of the tourny... He was in the box for two of Canada's Goals and didn't take Espositio's body on another. Having said that he was a major reason they got where they did, Hedman was not as much as a force as was advertized and it fell on Backlund to lead the team.
This guy is the real deal for a centerman, he was the number two rated prospect behind the late Alexei Cherepnov When he was drafted by the Flames. His season thus far in Vateras has been disappointing, it's been rumored he feels that the quality of players surrounding him is not helping his development and that he is seriously considering his option to play for the Kelowna Rockets of the W.H.L.
So Does he go to Kelowna or does he stay in Sweden, my money is on Kelowna and then we'll get a handle on how good this kid is playing against the best juniors in hockey every day. So who cares about Tavares! Where is Backlund going??
As an aside I read that Regehr for Spezza rumor... Sutter will die with Robin in his casket...not going to happen. Not Rocket Robin anyway.
Backlund was drafted last year by Calgary wasn't he?
Not last Draft but the one before.
He is awsome
He'll be in Kelowna. He needs to get more accustomed to the North American game. Sutter will tell him (he likely already has) that he needs to play in Kelowna to help him get to where he needs to be for nest year. Having him move to North America also gets him closer to the Flames so they can mold him easier.