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Post by Zoom Waffles on Dec 17, 2008 13:24:14 GMT -5
We dumped the Prospects forum, but I thought we could have a thread for it. Mostly just because I have something to say.
Mikael Backlund, a 2007 first round pick of the Calgary Flames, has reportedly been the subject of severe criticism by his coach. Backlund, a 19-year old centerman drafted 24th overall, has not been playing to potential, scoring just 8 points (4+4) in his first 17 games this year. He has also tallied 39 PIM, an unusually high number for the skilled forward. Backlund plays in Sweden's second league, Allsvenskan, for Vasteras IK, who finished 5th in the league last year led by Patrik Berglund's 45 points.
Anyway, Backlund's coach has noted that he hasn't been working hard enough to earn his spot on the roster, and rumors of a trade are spreading. Many have speculated that he may end up in Elitserien, Sweden's top league, or possibly pulled to Quad City to play for the Flames' AHL affiliate.
The coach has cited that he expects to see extra effort out of Backlund in the WJCs which start next week, and a decision is expected after that.
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Post by Zoom Waffles on Dec 18, 2008 15:24:18 GMT -5
Ramo was recalled in Tampa... Kolzig injured?
And in other Lightning news... 2003 2nd rounder Mike Egener is rumored to be heading to Sweden's 3rd highest league. Yikes... there's a wasted draft pick, unless i'm missing something.
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Post by The Hockey Hitman on Dec 18, 2008 16:43:17 GMT -5
Yeah, Backlund has really been struggling this season over there...I've been worried about this quite a bit as I have him in my dynasty keeper league. Hopefully he turns it around quick.
And yeah Kolzig is DTD right now, so yeah they called up Ramo. Egener is a former Lightning 2nd round pick but a guy who completely fell off the map after he was drafted. The Lightning decline to qualify him to retain his rights, and then in July he became an unrestricted free agent. Boston then signed him in August, but shortly after sent him to the AHL(he had to clear waivers first)...it wasn't long after than he announced he was supposedly retiring from hockey. Now hes going to Sweden to try and get his career back on track I suppose...He just did turn 24 so there is still hope for him if he works hard enough but he was only targeted to be a no. 3 or 4 defenseman at best in the NHL.
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Post by kingsfan24 on Dec 18, 2008 18:50:31 GMT -5
Couple of prospect watches here in LA with Trevor Lewis called up and Teddy Purcell who was also called up earlier.
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Post by Zipper14 on Dec 19, 2008 21:03:20 GMT -5
We dumped the Prospects forum, but I thought we could have a thread for it. Mostly just because I have something to say. Mikael Backlund, a 2007 first round pick of the Calgary Flames, has reportedly been the subject of severe criticism by his coach. Backlund, a 19-year old centerman drafted 24th overall, has not been playing to potential, scoring just 8 points (4+4) in his first 17 games this year. He has also tallied 39 PIM, an unusually high number for the skilled forward. Backlund plays in Sweden's second league, Allsvenskan, for Vasteras IK, who finished 5th in the league last year led by Patrik Berglund's 45 points. Anyway, Backlund's coach has noted that he hasn't been working hard enough to earn his spot on the roster, and rumors of a trade are spreading. Many have speculated that he may end up in Elitserien, Sweden's top league, or possibly pulled to Quad City to play for the Flames' AHL affiliate. The coach has cited that he expects to see extra effort out of Backlund in the WJCs which start next week, and a decision is expected after that. Backlund is rumoured to be heading to my hometown's WHL team when he finishes the WJC. I'm from Kelowna, and the Rockets drafted Backlund in their European draft last year. Since the criticism has come up the Rockets have been doing their best to bring Backlund over. He would be a significant boost for the Junior team. Calgary is also rumoured to be pushing for Backlund's move to Kelowna. He'll get lots of ice time and he'll get used to the Western Canadian style Sutter loves so much. Most of what I've said here was in the local paper yesterday. On TSN they have said that Backlund has just been a victim of no ice-time... and Pierre McGuire has said the Flames are still excited about him... but it's Pierre McGuire.
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Post by The Hockey Hitman on Dec 19, 2008 21:30:22 GMT -5
I would love Backlund to play anywhere in North America...he needs to get used to this brand of hockey for him to have the best shot at succeeding in the NHL.
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Post by Zoom Waffles on Dec 20, 2008 13:06:06 GMT -5
agreed... but if he's not motivated to succeed in sweden, how would he do in the AHL? i think the WHL is probably his best bet at this point... certainly better than Sweden's 3rd league...
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Post by Zoom Waffles on Dec 31, 2008 11:49:39 GMT -5
I'm now hearing talk of Mikael Backlund being traded to Farjestad, a team in Sweden's top league Elitserien. This would be the first time he's played outside of his home town of Vasteras in his career. Maybe better competition will bring out his best. Still, I'd be surprised if Calgary didn't take the opportunity to move him to the AHL after the WJCs.
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Post by Zoom Waffles on Jan 5, 2009 17:25:56 GMT -5
Backlund is headed to Kelowna, reports Swedish television. Very interesting.
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Post by Zipper14 on Jan 5, 2009 22:37:12 GMT -5
Wow, I'm excited to see him with the Rockets. He'll bring some offense to a tight checking Kelowna team.
He looked good in the gold medal game at the World Juniors. I thought he was the most noticeable forward out there, even more so than Oscar Mollar. He played on the first line with Mollar for the whole tournament and he was one of the leaders on their PP(their power play wasn't very good though).
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Post by Zipper14 on May 15, 2009 16:57:35 GMT -5
Backlund was awesome for Kelowna in the playoffs. Him and Jamie Benn were the main reasons why the Rockets won the WHL championship.
People are now saying that Backlund will be the best player at the Memorial Cup tournament, which starts today, I think.
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Post by Zoom Waffles on May 15, 2009 17:22:08 GMT -5
does he make the jump next season?
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Post by Zipper14 on May 16, 2009 19:00:43 GMT -5
Lots of people are saying he will. I think he could probably use some time in the AHL playing against men, instead of the boys he's facing in the CHL.
It might depend on Calgary's scoring depth at the start of next year. If they don't replace Cammalleri I can see them giving him a shot.
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