Mikael Backlund News

Backlund had 19 goals, 37 assists, 36 PIMs, 260 SOG, and a +24 plus/minus in 82 games in 2022-23 with Calgary and has signed a two-year contract extension worth $9.0 million ($4.5 million AAV). Along with the new contract, Backlund has been announced as the Flames' 21st Captain in team history. The 34-year-old centre is entering his 16th NHL season as a Flame and has 185 goals, 492 points and a +66 plus/minus in 908 career NHL games played.

Backlund is the latest Flames' player to be added to the COVID-19 protocol list, leaving them with just four active players.

Backlund missed Monday's game in Vancouver with a lower-body injury but was on the ice for Wednesday's morning skate and will be a game-time decision. Backlund skated with Milan Lucic and Dillon Dube this morning, so he is a less appealing DFS option without Andrew Mangiapane on his wing.

Backlund suffered a lower-body injury early in Saturday's loss to the Canucks and is questionable to play on Monday. Head coach Geoff Ward called him "day-to-day" on Sunday, so monitor his status during the morning skate.

Backlund has been dealing with a lower-body injury since the late stages of the preseason but is ready to go in Colorado. Backlund, who will centre the second line with familiar linemates (Tkachuk and Frolik) had 21 goals and 26 assists (47 points) last season.

Backlund was on the ice for Wednesday’s practice but remains a question mark heading into the first game of the year. Monitor his status during tomorrow’s morning skate and expect Sam Bennett to replace him on the second line if he doesn’t play.

Backlund was rested on Monday but is expected to replace Sean Monahan in the lineup on Wednesday.

Backlund has missed the last three games with an undisclosed injury but could play on the Flames’ three-game road-trip, which starts Saturday afternoon in Minnesota. Monitor his status as the Flames hit the ice for warmups at 1:00 pm on Saturday.

Backlund missed Monday’s practice but he is good-to-go for tonight’s game vs. the Oilers. Backlund will have Sam Bennett on his wing tonight though because Mathew Tkachuk is day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Backlund has just one goal in his last five games.

Backlund suffered a concussion while representing Team Sweden at the World Cup of Hockey and he will return to Calgary where he will be reevaluated this week. The 27-year-old has had a tough time staying healthy during his career, but is coming off of a year where he played 82-games for the first time in his career. With two weeks before the start of the regular season, Backlund could be ready for opening night.