It has been a disappointing season for the Flames, who have slim playoff hopes with 10 games remaining and plenty of players to put on the list of under-achievers, but Backlund has certainly been one of the club’s few living up to expectations.
St. Patrick’s Day for Mikael Backlund has changed over the years.
The Flames centre celebrated his recent 34th birthday in a very grown-up way.
Following a long flight from Las Vegas that arrived in the early hours after a victory, Backlund slept in, went for brunch with his wife, Frida, and spent time with their young children.
“It was a good day,” he said with a big smile.
It has been a disappointing season for the Flames, who have slim playoff hopes with nine games remaining and plenty of players to put on the list of under-achievers, but Backlund has certainly been one of the club’s few living up to expectations.
With 17 goals and 49 points in 73 games, he has an opportunity to set career numbers, all while facing opposing top lines night after night. Pick any advanced statistic, and odds are Backlund is at or near the top among the Flames.
Moreover, as the importance of the games has elevated, so has his play.
“Last year, I didn’t play the way I wanted and I came into this season showing I could be better, I can still produce in this league and still be a shut-down, two-way center,” Backlund said. “I’ve take that upon myself and focussed on that, and know when I do it the right way, I have the ability to chip in offensively.”
Not everyone is willing to put in the work under a “check for chances” plan, but Backlund is one of those who has come to the realization it works.
“When they’re younger, players feel they have to put points up every night,” said assistant coach Ryan Huska, who was Backlund’s coach with the WHL-champion Kelowna Rockets in 2007. “ When they’re older, they realize they have a role and a job, and when the points come it’s a byproduct of their work. He has a good understanding of who he is and how he has to play and that’s why he’s having a career year.”
It is not just his teammates and coaches who appreciate how the 2007 first-round draft choice has evolved from a young player trying to find his way, going through the ups and downs of developing his game and becoming a key and contributing veteran.
“It puts a smile on my face to see the player he’s become,” said Matt Stajan, the former Flames centre who now is an assistant coach with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. “I saw it happening late in my career, but it’s great to see him become a leader. I’m so happy for him. He’s an important guy and plays a lot of the minutes you don’t always get praised for.”
Backlund’s focus will remain on helping the Flames find a miracle late-season run that pushes them into the playoffs, but the personal accolades are coming.
He is slated to play his 900th regular-season game on Saturday, March 25 at the Saddledome against the San Jose Sharks. Backlund, whose contract runs through the 2023-24 season, is third on the franchise’s all-time list with 8968 games heading into Thursday's’s home tilt with the Golden Knights, behind Jarome Iginla and Mark Giordano.
As well, he became the 11th player in franchise history to collect 300 assists. He is also the second Swedish-born player to reach that mark, joining Kent Nilsson. Backlund's 32 assists this season is a career high.
“It’s a milestone, for sure,” he said of getting a 300th helper. “I don’t take anything for granted and I really do appreciate it.”