By Jashan Parmar,The Win Column
Copyright yardbarker
The 36-year-old Swede has played his entire 17-year career in Calgary, playing his 1000th career game this past season. Backlund has been an integral part of the Flames’ organization his whole career and a staple in the city. Before the 2023–24 season, Backlund was named the 21st captain in franchise history. Before that, he was an alternate for five seasons.
Backlund’s career
In his 1,066 career games, Backlund has accumulated 215 goals, 348 assists for a total of 563 points. The only other Flames to suit up for 1000 games is the greatest Flame of all time, Jarome Iginla. With the new contract, Backlund is almost a shoo-in to pass Iginla and become the franchise leader in games played. Drafted 24th overall in the 2007 NHL Draft, Backlund made his NHL debut on January 8, 2009.
Backlund previously won the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice. He now has the opportunity to lead the next generation of Flames, looking to make the jump to the NHL.
