Backlund's future plans revealed and it will make Calgary Flames fans very happy

Mikael Backlund seems to feel quite confident that he and the Calgary Flames won’t be going their separate ways anytime soon.

The Flames captain is preparing to enter what is the final season of his two-year contract. With the Flames looking like they are still at least a few years away from contending, it wouldn’t have been the most shocking thing to see Backlund perhaps considering a new destination in hopes of winning a Stanley Cup. That, however, doesn’t appear to be the case.

On the most recent 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman mentioned a conversation he had with Backlund recently, where the topic of his future was discussed. Though it doesn’t seem he or the Flames are in any rush to get things done, it is clear that the 36-year-old wants to remain in Calgary.

“He’s got a year left on his contract. He says that he wants to continue to play after it’s over, and he wants to be a lifetime Calgary Flame,” Friedman said. “It’s very clear. He would love to be a Flame forever, and he did say that he wants to play in the new building. That is a goal of his.”

Less than two weeks after that podcast had dropped, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period had a similar report from a conversation he had with Backlund recently.

“There’s work to be done, but an extension, at some point, seems expected,” Pagnotta wrote.

Backlund was selected 24th overall by the Flames all the way back in 2007, and has spent his entire 1,066-game career with the organization. During that time, he’s racked up 215 goals and 563 points, and is set to enter his third season as team captain.

What’s interesting in Friedman’s report is that Backlund said he wants to play in the new arena, Scotia Place. The Flames have two more seasons remaining at the Saddledome before switching buildings for the 2027-28 season, which suggests the Swedish veteran still feels he has plenty more left in the tank.

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