Flames fans react to Mikael Backlund being named captain
The Calgary Flames have a new captain, and his name is Mikael Backlund.
The 21st captain in Flames history, Backlund will be the first to wear the C since Mark Giordano left Calgary two years ago.
“Mikael Backlund is our captain. He has been our captain for some time,” said Flames GM Craig Conroy.
A first-round pick by the Flames in 2007, Backlund has played all of his 908 NHL games with the franchise since breaking into the league in 2008-09.
“This is a very special day for my family and I,” said Backlund. “Calgary is our home and to know that we will continue my playing career here is important to us…. I’m ready for the responsibility that goes with wearing the C and I’m surrounded by a strong leadership group in our locker room that will help us take the next step toward winning the Stanley Cup.”
News of Backlund’s captaincy was met with mostly rave reviews from Flames fans on social media. The longtime Flames centre, who also signed a two-year contract extension today, is a favourite among fans in Calgary.
Here’s a look at the reaction from Flames fans today:
Heart of a captain. Good choice
— Vonker (@Vonker2) September 27, 2023
🔥
— CryptoGigi (@gigi_crypto) September 27, 2023
Well deserved 🔥🔥🔥
— Noah Adler (@realnoahadler99) September 27, 2023
Backlund has been my choice for Captain ever since Giordano left. So happy he’s finally been named Captain! #Flames @NHLFlames
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/5YP8yDwGfB— Brenda aka Beagle Momma (@beaglebailey97) September 27, 2023
YES!!! So much of a W for both sides on the contract as well as naming an incredible leader of this team after years of not and trying to rely on “lead by committee”.
— Nate Thomas (@tatenhomas) September 27, 2023
Best captain in Alberta
— Aidan (@aidan_thakkar) September 27, 2023
Congratulations to Mikael Backlund, total class guy and a great choice for Captain
— Glenn Campbell (@CTVGCampbell) September 27, 2023
There really wasn’t a better choice for the 21st captain in franchise history. Backlund is obviously the longest serving #Flames player, who played under Giordano’s entire tenure as captain, and is the only player to have played under Iginla’s leadership as well. https://t.co/PLaieokcD6
— Brandon Fong (@brandonfong22) September 27, 2023
Solid move by Calgary to get this done and name Backlund Captain before the season starts. #Flames
— End 2 End Hockey (@end2end_hockey) September 27, 2023
Huge W, hopefully he stays with the flames for the rest of his career. Great guy
— Stinky Man (@LilMoserGaming) September 27, 2023
Oh Captain, my Captain. I’ll never forget the day I met Backlund, was on his way to an interview and he stopped just to take a picture with me. Excited to see him lead the @NHLFlames as the new captain!! #yyc #Flames #calgaryflames pic.twitter.com/B06LluQMQp
— Joshua Reiss 🎃🎃👽👽👻👻 (@IntenseReiss) September 27, 2023
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