This past season, the Edmonton Oilers employed Mark Letestu as the team’s third line center. Letestu is a good depth center, someone capable of playing a defensive role and who can contribute enough offensively to get by. Unfortunately for Edmonton, Letestu is much better suited as a fourth line center, not a third line guy.
If Edmonton wants to compete with teams like Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose and even Chicago, St. Louis and Nashville, then they’ll need to add another center. Pending UFA David Backes, currently the captain of the Blues, may be the perfect option for Edmonton’s third line moving forward.
Why Is He Out There?:
The Blues, for what seems like years, have done nothing but lose when it matters the most. The team always gets to the playoffs, but they find ways to choke away series after series. This year, St. Louis finally got past Chicago in the opening round, but tonight they face a game seven against the Dallas Stars after leading the series 3-2. Oh, and they are on the road.
Failure to win tonight and reach the conference finals will likely lead to massive changes. I can see Ken Hitchcock losing his job behind the bench. In addition to that, I can see the team moving away from core players like Backes, Kevin Shattenkirk and Patrick Berglund.
What Does He Do Well?:
Backes is your standard two-way center. At 6’3” and 221 pounds, he’s got a big frame. He’s not afraid to use that frame either, as he plays a very physical style and uses his body to create space in the offensive zone. In addition to being a two-way presence, Backes is a very gritty player, something Edmonton lacks in a big way.
Defensively, Backes would be Edmonton’s best forward almost immediately. His defensive awareness is through the roof and he knows where to be at all times. Very rarely is he caught out of position. He’s a terrific shut-down center who is capable of playing against the other team’s top forwards. He would provide the ultimate cover for Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Backes is one of those players who isn’t afraid to go to the net. He’s willing to set a screen and he’s an expert at creating havoc for the goaltender. Edmonton hasn’t had a net-front presence like Backes since Ryan Smyth left in 2007.
Lastly, Backes can play wing in addition to center, and he is a right-shot. Being a right-shot makes him extremely valuable.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play?:
If Edmonton signed David Backes this summer, he would be their third line center right off the bat. If Edmonton moved a player, say Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, then Backes would shift up to the second line. Either way, he would not have to play the featured role that he currently has in St. Louis. In Edmonton, that role belongs to Connor McDavid.
In an ideal world, Backes is a second line center. That means, to this observer, that David Backes is a perfect fit for the Edmonton Oilers. He wouldn’t be in over his head, in fact he would be playing below his level of ability. That’s a nice problem to have if you are the Oilers.
What Will He Cost?:
Backes is 32 years old and is likely looking at his last big contract in the NHL. Due to his style of play, I wouldn’t go long term with him, but I’m sure some team will offer him four/five/six years. Ideally, a three year deal at $4,000,000 per is what Backes signs for. It’s a strong financial commitment to the player, but you aren’t tied to him forever.
I suspect he could get north of $5,000,000 on the open market, however.
Closing Argument:
The Oilers have three dynamic young centers, but they need another veteran option if they truly want to be deep at the position. David Backes is a true veteran and someone who brings what Edmonton lacks. In addition to being an offensive threat, Backes provides size, physical play, and a strong defensive element. To me, he is the perfect outside addition at center.
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