Backlund’s Back, Alright!

The Calgary Flames have gotten to work with training camp and the 2023-24 preseason. At the same time, the Flames and current general manager Craig Conroy aren’t going to be looking too heavily at their contracts and salary cap situation right now. Mikael Backlund was among the few players with a contract expiring at the end of the 2023-24 season. With the Flames needing a captain and a contract extension for longtime Calgary Flame Mikael Backlund, they managed to name a captain and give Backlund an extension.

Backlund Gets The Captaincy

Before I dive into the contract, Mikael Backlund was also named captain during the press release and press conference to announce his contract extension. This is a well-deserved accomplishment for the Flames 2007 24th overall draft selection. The Vasteras, Sweden-born player, has played his entire career with the Flames, appearing in 908 games where he’s scored 185 goals and 307 assists for 492 career points.

Backlund has served as a Flames alternate captain since the 2018-19 season, but he’s been a leader in the community and the locker room since his arrival, according to his teammates. Backlund’s reach to the Calgary, Alberta community has always been noticed. Most recently, Backlund netted the 2023 King Clancy Memorial Trophy for his exemplary leadership qualities on and off the ice and his noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.

Related: Mikael Backlund Captures King Clancy Trophy

There’s nothing more noteworthy than being the player who’s spent his entire career with one team and has been a leader since day one. Mikael Backlund still has time left in his career, but his contributions to the Calgary Flames have a resounding ripple effect on his teammates and the Calgary community. By retiring or being traded after Backlund is gone, there will be a significant void for the Flames organization to fill in their leadership group.

Backlund’s New Contract

Backlund’s current six-year contract is set to expire at the end of the season. He’s made $5.35 million annually ever since dawning the alternate captain crest on his jersey. When he was hired, Craig Conroy made it clear that Mikael Backlund was a priority player that they wanted to re-sign. Conroy also noted that he wanted to make sure his captain had term. Now Conroy has a well-respected captain who also has term on his contract.

Related: All NHL Team Captains & Alternate Captains Heading Into The 2023-24 Season

Backlund’s new contract is worth $4.5 million, which will take effect in the 2024-25 season and expire at the end of the 2025-26 season. The contract is a 35+ player contract with no confirmed trade clause details at the time of writing. This is a team-friendly contract, especially with the salary cap going up and Backlund being a notable leader in the NHL.

Samberg's Contract, Jets Outlook, Moose Watch, and Bombers Trouble (01) – Jacko Media

In this week's episode of the Jacko Media Show, Conrad Jack breaks down the developments around Dylan Samberg's arbitration filing and what it means for the Winnipeg Jets as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. What does Samberg’s contract battle tell us about the team’s direction? And how does it impact Winnipeg’s defensive depth?We also take a broader look at the Jets' offseason moves and what storylines are already brewing ahead of puck drop. From player development to potential breakout stars, Conrad gives his take on where the team stands now and what fans should watch for come training camp.Shifting gears to the AHL, the spotlight turns briefly to the Manitoba Moose as we look at their early storylines and how they fit into the larger hockey picture in Winnipeg. What can we expect from the Moose this year, and how will their younger core contribute to the Jets pipeline?Finally, the focus briefly turns to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Have they reached the beginning of the end of their dominant run? After a rocky stretch, questions are swirling about depth, age, and whether the team can still contend. Conrad shares his thoughts on what’s gone wrong and whether there’s time to right the ship.