Pros and cons of the Flames extending Mikael Backlund

The Calgary Flames took care of some unexpected business, as they extended Mikael Backlund to a two-year extension, which carries an AAV of $3.25 million. The Flames captain was set to become a UFA in 2026, and now he’ll be on the books until he’s 39.

The reaction from the majority of the fanbase was somewhat split. The idea of Backlund being the captain when the Flames make their debut in Scotia Place (which is set to open for the 2027-28 season) was intriguing for many. However, at the same time, many fans believed that Backlund’s extension at this time was unnecessary. Today, I’m going to go over some pros and cons regarding Backlund’s extension as well as my overall thoughts on it.

Pros of Backlund extending

Backlund continues to have a strong leadership presence

Backlund had every intention of retiring as a Flame. He and his family love it in Calgary, and the idea that he had the potential to spend his entire playing career on one team was too good to refuse. Obviously, Backlund has also been a huge part of the Flames’ leadership group during his veteran years.

He’ll be the captain when the Flames begin playing in Scotia Place, something that’ll mean a lot to him. The rest of the team all see him as their captain on the ice and in the locker room. Backlund’s presence will also mean a lot to the Flames’ young players who are up-and-coming. He’ll contribute towards preserving a tight Flames group that’ll provide ample leadership and mentorship for the next generation of players.

The Flames’ centre depth hasn’t taken a hit yet

While it’s clear the Flames need more talent down the middle, they don’t have any centre prospects who are readily available to play. While Backlund is 36, his presence still provides meaningful depth down the middle, assuming he’s used mostly in a bottom-six role.

Backlund is still strong defensively and can contribute on the scoresheet. While he did show regression last season, he is still useful in a smaller, bottom-six role. He’s also effective in certain special teams situations like the penalty kill.

To me, Backlund having a smaller role is just fine. Being a second-line centre is out of the question for him. It would even be ideal if Backlund becomes the Flames’ fourth-line centre as he gets older. That being said, he still can contribute on the ice and will be capable of playing down the middle until he’s replaced.

Cons of Backlund extending

Backlund’s regression could get worse

It’s normal for a player to experience regression during the backend of their career, and Backlund is no exception. Backlund recorded his lowest point total (32 points) since the 2020-21 season, and he’s not getting any younger.

The concern is that the Flames try to play Backlund in a role that he is no longer capable of. With a lack of elite centre depth, Backlund may be relied upon to play in heavy matchups given his defensive strengths. Icing a 36-year-old against another team’s best players may not end well for the Flames if they’re in that scenario.

If he regresses even more, the Flames could play Backlund as their fourth-line centre. This would be most ideal to be honest, but $3.25 million is still quite a bit of money to pay a fourth liner. Either way, if Backlund can continue being a strong third-line centre, then that’s great, but a decrease in quality of play is bound to happen as Backlund gets closer to 40.

Should a young player be taking his spot instead?

As previously mentioned, the Flames don’t have any prospects readily available to play centre for the team just yet, so many see Backlund as a good placeholder for now. With that being said, one player stands out as a potential candidate for centre, and that player is Connor Zary.

We haven’t seen many games of Zary playing down the middle, but he wasn’t bad in the small stints he got. Flames fans hope that the team can play Zary as a centre more often, but it’s now looking like he’ll yet again be a winger for most of this season.

Obviously, things could change, but I don’t see a scenario where Zary outplays any of the top centres the Flames have. He’s not replacing Nazem Kadri and Morgan Frost, but maybe he stood a chance to contend with Backlund for his spot. But now with Backlund extending, this seems less likely unless Zary heavily outperforms him. The only true scenario where I see Zary getting a long look at centre is if an injury occurs, as you’re not putting him on the fourth line.

My opinion is that the young guys should have priority, and Zary really needs a long look at playing centre. I don’t see a reason a regressing Backlund should reduce these chances, but that’s just what I think.

Final thoughts

Overall, I don’t view Backlund’s extension as necessarily a bad thing, but was it really necessary to get done now? I feel it would’ve made more sense if the team had gone into the season to see how things went, then determined Backlund’s status from there. I’m aware that his interest in remaining in Calgary was very high, but a GM needs to look at the future too.

We’ll see what happens, but I’m sure Backlund is in for more regression as he gets older. At this point in his career, his presence is strong for leadership, but his on-ice role should not be as big as some of the younger players. It’s time for the next generation to take the reins.