The Calgary Flames have recently made significant decisions that will impact their upcoming season. Notably, they have signed center Mikael Backlund to a two-year contract extension and appointed him as the team’s captain. These moves address some pressing issues facing the Flames and set the stage for their pursuit of the Stanley Cup in the 2023-24 season.
Backlund’s Extension and Leadership Role
Mikael Backlund’s contract extension brings stability to the Flames’ roster. The two-year deal, valued at $4.5 million per year, ensures that Backlund will continue his playing career in Calgary, a city he considers home. The 34-year-old center expressed his joy and pride in signing the extension and assuming the role of captain for the historic franchise.
Backlund’s recent performance strengthens his claim to the captaincy. In the previous season, he showcased his skills by scoring 19 goals and recording a career-high 56 points in 82 games. Despite the team’s inconsistencies, the Flames were within two points of securing a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.
While the Flames made their commitment to Backlund, they still face uncertainties regarding several players’ futures. At the end of the 2023-24 season, the team will have eight players who are slated to become unrestricted free agents. This group includes key contributors such as Noah Hanifin, Oliver Kylington, Elias Lindholm, Christopher Tanev, and Nikita Zadorov. As the Flames aim to build a long-term contender, managing these impending free agents will be crucial.
Having spent his entire career with the Flames, Backlund has been a significant presence as an alternate captain for the past six seasons. Now, as the 21st captain in team history, he follows in the footsteps of former captain Mark Giordano, who was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the 2021 expansion draft.
General Manager Craig Conroy expressed confidence in Backlund’s leadership abilities and emphasized his continued impact on and off the ice, both in the locker room and in the community. With a strong leadership group supporting him, Backlund is ready to embrace the responsibility that comes with wearing the captain’s ‘C’.
Backlund joins a select group of players who have been appointed as captains before the start of the 2023-24 season. Brad Marchand (Boston Bruins), Brayden Schenn (St. Louis Blues), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), and Adam Lowry (Winnipeg Jets) are among the other new captains in the NHL. Notably, several teams, including Anaheim, Arizona, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Seattle, have yet to name their captains for the upcoming season.
The Calgary Flames took decisive actions by signing Mikael Backlund to a contract extension and designating him as their captain. With Backlund’s recent strong performance and his familiarity with the Flames organization, he is poised to lead the team towards their ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup. As the Flames manage impending free agency challenges and build a cohesive roster, Backlund’s leadership, experience, and dedication will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future success.
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