Greetings from Brazil! I've been a flames fan since 2010 (peak pain), and followed Mikael Backlund career almost from the get go. Isn't it time for the flames to consider placing him at the 4th line? Specially since we're trying to figure out if zary is a C?
Nation Sites
The Nation Network
FlamesNation has no direct affiliation to the Calgary Flames, Calgary Sports and Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
FlamesNation Mailbag: Backlund’s future, camp surprises, trades and more!
Photo credit: Mike Gould
Friends, we’re into the back half of August and we’re just weeks away from prospects training camp and then veterans arrive for training camp and before you know it, the games start to count.
As we squeeze the last enjoyment we can out of the waning days of summertime, let’s check in with our pals in the mailbag.
Friedman was reporting that Backlund wants to play past next season. Do you see him being a Flame past next season? I was thinking Weegar is ready to be the captain.
So here’s the thing with Mikael Backlund: he’s 36, he loves being a Flame, and he has really high standards for himself. He’s gotten to where he is by being really self-aware, but also really critical of his own game.
Backlund was a net positive for the Flames last season; Evolving-Hockey’s model had him at 1 goal above replacement, but his numbers were really dragged down by a penalty kill that had Backlund at 3.2 goals below replacement in that situation. Backlund’s gig is to eat bad assignments and tough deployments so that the team’s young players, offensive players, and young offensive players can make hay with an easier workload. That’s been his gig for years. He understands the job and does it well.
Backlund becomes a fourth-liner when the Flames are able to acquire or develop somebody that’s better at Backlund’s job than he is.
In terms of his future: I think Backlund’s a Flame until he decides to retire, and I think he wears the C until that happens.
Ryan, what are the 3 most intriguing story lines in the pacific division this upcoming season in your opinion? Thanks!
Ignoring the Flames entirely:
#1: There’s no way the Canucks are really this bad once you remove all the wacky drama, right?
#2: Can San Jose or Anaheim take a step out of the basement as their young players blossom into NHLers?
#3: Can all the additions in Los Angeles gel together into a winning team?
How your pick for best positive surprise out of training camp?
Andrew Basha was really, really good in last year’s camp… playing on an ankle that required surgery. I’m really excited to see how he looks at 100% physical condition.
But that’s arguably part of a broader storyline that I will call “Hey, how big is the gap in pro readiness between the Flames’ establish veterans and the many, many promising young players that Craig Conroy has added over the last 2 to 3 years?”
Who is our best prospect to turn into 1C or 2C?
I’m really fascinated to see how Cole Reschny evolves during this coming season at the University of North Dakota, because he’s got a really nice mix of qualities that could lead to him being a strong pro centre. But he’s got a lot of steps to take before that happens. He’s probably the young centre I’m most excited to see moving forward.
Hey Ryan, a lot of rumours around Mason Mctavish since he’s not signed yet. Would what it take the flames to get him if he’s actually available?
If I’m Anaheim, I’m asking for a lot for Mason McTavish. I have no intel on that situation, but considering McTavish is just 22 years old and would be under team control for awhile… I would be asking for a first-round pick, a pretty good prospect and maybe more.
You need to be really sure that McTavish is the answer for your team’s problems, because it will cost a lot to get him.
My gut right now says that in October 2027, Mikael Backlund is the captain, and the alternates include MacKenzie Weegar, Jonathan Huberdeau and Nazem Kadri.
Montreal is trading Price’s contract Sept 1, after the bonus is paid, in order to be cap compliant. Conroy’s talked about taking on 1 year bad contracts. Do you see the flames trading for that contract?
If I’m advising Craig Conroy, I put a high value on having cap flexibility. I don’t take on Carey Price’s $10.5 million cap hit unless I’m given a pretty big incentive to do so in terms of a draft pick or a nice young asset.
What do you think we realistically could have gotten if we flipped Huberdeau as soon as we acquired him?
Honestly, probably not a ton. And that’s not to deride Jonathan Huberdeau as an asset, but unless you have him signed to an extension, or are pretty confident you could sign him to one, I don’t know if you’re giving up a ton for Huberdeau as a one-year rental player. If I’m guessing, perhaps a conditional draft pick – a second that turns into a first if the acquiring team made it far in the playoffs – and maybe a Cole Schwindt-level prospect.
From a media coverage point of view, are there things you will miss about the Saddledome that wont be in the new barn (not including nostalgia)?
The press box in the Saddledome is so fun to watch a game in. In a lot of the newer buildings, the press boxes and broadcast booths are set back a bit and are behind the second level of seating, so you’re far away from the ice. In the ‘Dome, you’re right above everything and it’s such a cool vantage point.
When will something finally happen?
Prospects report for training camp around Sept. 11, with veterans arriving Sept. 18. I suspect that as August turns into September, any remaining lingering news items will start to topple like dominoes.
Got a question for a future mailbag? Contact Ryan on Twitter/BlueSky at @RyanNPike or e-mail him at Ryan.Pike [at] BetterCollective.com! (Make sure you put Mailbag in the subject line!)
The FlamesNation Monday Mailbag is presented to you by Village Honda
Looking to sell your vehicle? Village Honda wants to buy it. We offer complimentary, no obligation appraisals, payment in 24 hours, top value trade in values and best of all, no stress. Skip selling your vehicle privately and stop in Village Honda today. No appointment necessary.
Village Honda is proud to be your dealership for life in Calgary since 1987. We are located in the Northwest Auto Mall under the giant Canadian flag or online at www.villagehonda.com.
Breaking News
- Instant Reaction: Flames out-score the Wild in return home
- What’s Going On In the Pacific Division: The three Canadian teams sit at the bottom of the division
- Throwback Thursday: Looking at the Flames’ three trades with the Wild
- Flames Game Day 29: Back at home to face the Wild (7pm MT, SN1)
- The Wranglers are nearly done their mammoth road trip