Top 30 Unrestricted Free Agents: 30 Christian Backman

On top of the draft happening in a few weeks, open season for free agents begins July 1st.  From now until then, we will take a look at the top 30 unrestricted free agents and determine if they will fit on the Sabres.  The list comes from The Fourth Period.

Christian Backman

#5 / Defenseman / Columbus Blue Jackets

Height: 6-4

Weight: 210

Born: Apr 28, 1980

Key Stat:  Backman has never played a full NHL season in six year career.  In fact, the most games that he has played in a given season is 66. 

The Good:  Backman is a stay at home defenseman.  He was seventh on the Blue Jackets in blocked shots with 53 and 

The Bad:  Backman faced very weak competition for the Blue Jackets.  His quality of competition is second lowest on the Blue Jackets for defensemen that played more than 50 games ahead of linemate Kris Russell.  That third pairing for te He also is not a scoring machine.   His career high in points is 18 and career high for goals is 7.   Piling onto the possible issues, Backman isn't very physical either.  He only had 40 hits on the season which ranked him in the lower third on the Jackets.   Finally, it has to say something about his credibility if he doesn't crack the lineup for the Blue Jackets during the playoffs. 

2008-09 Salary:  $3,400,000

Verdict:  Personally, I feel that there has to be cheaper and better option at defenseman for the Sabres.  Would you be interested though.