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Flames Backlund: Frustrated Not to Make Team Sweden

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Old Prof | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 8:55 PM ET

Mikael Backlund has been one of the Calgary Flames’ steady hands this season. Watching him play, you don’t see the big highlight reel stuff, but you notice the little things. He makes the plays that actually make a team work.

When he didn’t get the Olympic call for Sweden, you’d expect him to be down. And, he was a bit bummed, no question. But he wasn’t crushed. That’s not Backlund. Instead, he focused on what he can actually do—play hard, stay sharp, and help his Flames’ team any way he can. And that’s enough for him.

He dreamed of the Olympics as all hockey players would. As he noted in a recent interview, “I was hoping for it, but I never expected it,” he says. And you can tell he actually means. Sweden’s team is stacked with talent; every spot is a fight.

Still, Backlund’s been playing his best hockey since he became captain. Every shift, every matchup, even the scrappy odd-man stuff, is his chance to show he belongs with the top players out there.

Backlund Was Excited to Get a Call from Team Sweden

What’s interesting is how he looks at this. There’s pride in being in the conversation. Backlund received a phone call before Christmas saying he was being considered, and he keeps circling back to it.

“Not everyone got that call,” he said. That’s a reminder of his perspective. Some players could have a season like this and barely get noticed. Backlund’s not losing sleep over what didn’t happen.

Instead, he’s focusing on the positives. He’s been part of the Flames’ huge turnaround. He’s helping Calgary in ways the scoresheet doesn’t always show, still leading quietly and staying ready for the next big moment. Still, he leads quietly, staying prepared for the next big moment. He calls missing the Olympics “disappointing and frustrating,” but he’s also realistic. The big tournaments come and go, but a season where you lead, contribute, and play solid hockey—that’s something you can control.

For the Flames’ Backlund, Being Noticed by His Home Country Is Enough

For Backlund, it’s enough that he was in the mix. He’s proud of his season, proud to be considered, and determined to keep building for his Flames. The Olympics will wait, but the grind of a season, the little victories, the way he helps his team—that’s where he measures himself. And in hockey, that’s worth more than any medal.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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