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Calgary Flames sign captain Mikael Backlund to two-year extension

Originally posted on The Win Column | By Jashan Parmar | Last updated Sep 17, 2025 6:04 PM ET

Captain Backs is staying put for another three years—Mikael Backlund, who is in his final year of a two-year deal, has signed a two-year extension, the team announced. This deal will kick in at the end of this season, and run until the end of the 2027-28 season. He previously signed a two-year extension on his last contract.

THAT'S OUR CAP

Mikael Backlund has signed a two-year extension with an AAV of $3.25 million! pic.twitter.com/G1c37LjZ53
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) September 17, 2025

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.

This article first appeared on The Win Column and was syndicated with permission.

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