Backes looks slower than last year. Nordstrom/Acciari Kuraly Backes would be fine on forth, though. Just need one of the kids to pull a Heinen and get a quick call up.
I’m going to rewatch his shifts this weekend when I have a half hour to whip through
I agree he should
1. Be on 4th line RW- creates a Bruins advantage on 4th lines- they have a high end defensive line with what he put out last night and with Acciari and Backes two of the top TOI hits per 60 forwards - Nordstrom not physical but looks like a smart player and strong PK
2. Be on ice final minutes of all periods of close games where he’s excellent on the boards, disrupting lanes, physical, and can take face-offs especially right defensive dot
(Cassidy has seen what I see here)
3. On power play - good screen presence, deft hand-eye coordination, good passer and excellent shot.
(Cassidy sees same)
There are two types of bad FA signings
I’ll use the perfect GM Steve Yzerman as an example
1. Signs Matt Carle to a 5/30 M deal
He’s a train wreck and after a couple of years the Lightning Buy him out and may still be carrying
2. Signs Ryan Callahan to 6/36 M deal
Callahan struggles is a shadow of self now lucky to put up Schaller numbers but he’s a good 4th liner who provides energy
Callahan is not worth $6 M probably not worth $2 M but he still has value even on 4th line where he can forecheck
Backes provides a lot more then that for now
Next year maybe the kids like Senyshyn and Fitzgerald need that spot but for this time Cassidy can put out what he did last night that has physical presence, three players who are regulars on special teams
