Backstrom is way overrated not underrated, very bad contract.
- franky619
Thanks for the comment!
The last three years NHL.com conducted a player poll including various accolades. One of the categories players voted on was most “Underrated Player”. Most underrated player has only been voted on in two of the three polls. In each of the two polls, Backstrom ranked 1st and 2nd as voted by players across the league. I would say a nod by his fellow players as the most underrated player has fairly strong value.
Contractually speaking, yes, it is a hefty contract to take but he deserves the pay bump after largely being underpaid throughout his career. In addition, as a bias Caps fan, the cost of keeping him around to help Ovi chase Gretsky’s goal scoring record over the next five years is also priceless