Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund has won the 2023 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.
The winner is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association and the NHL Broadcasters Association.
The other two nominees for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy were New York Islanders captain Anders Lee and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse.
Backlund has one year left on his six-year contract worth $5.35 million annually. He has spent his entire NHL career with the Calgary Flames since being drafted 24th overall in 2007. Backlund posted a career-high season scoring 19 goals and 37 assists for his career-high 56 points in his 2022-23 campaign.
Backlund and his wife Frida supported the ALS Society of Alberta, Kids Cancer Care, Special Olympic Calgary, and Parachutes for Pets.
Backlund’s contributions certainly haven’t gone unnoticed, especially with his King Clancy Memorial Trophy win. Backlund becomes the fourth Calgary Flame in NHL history to win the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. Backlund has followed in the footsteps of legendary Calgary Flames players such as Lanny McDonald (1987-88 King Clancy Winner), Joe Nieuwendyk (1994-95 King Clancy Winner), and Jarome Iginla (2003-04 King Clancy Winner).
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