Do the Calgary Flames have it in them to rebound from a playoff miss this upcoming season? Ryan Kennedy and Mike Stephens discuss. Mikael Backlund [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxMTAwOTE1MzU5MzYwODg5/usatsi_21504129_168400847_lowres.jpg] Mikael Backlund The Calgary Flames are officially keeping their longest-tenured player in the fold, as the club announced on Wednesday that they have come to terms with forward Mikael Backlund on a two-year extension worth an average annual value of $4.5 million. The deal ties Backlund to Calgary through the 2025-26 season and comes with the role of the team's new captain, making him the 21st player in franchise history to don the 'C.' Backlund has one year remaining on his current contract worth $5.35 million. While it seemed uncertain at times, an extension always seemed to be the natural outcome for Backlund as he approached free agency. The 34-year-old was drafted by the Flames 24th overall back in 2007 and is now going into his 16th season with the club as he embarks upon the 2023-24 campaign. Backlund is still an effective two-way player who will make the Flames a better team at both ends of the rink. Suiting up in all 82 games last season, Backlund managed to rack up 19 goals and 37 assists for 56 points despite the chaos unfolding in Calgary, logging just over 18 minutes per night in average ice time and winning 50.9 percent of his draws. While the term, even just two years, may be unsettling given Backlund's age, the Flames clearly prioritized ensuring that one of the most beloved players in recent franchise history committed to them for the foreseeable future, adding some stability to an organization that has undergone quite the upheaval in recent years.
