Flames Ink Backlund For Two Years

Apr 6, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Calgary Flames center Mikael Backlund (11) during the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Flames announced today that they have signed center Mikael Backlund to a two-year contract.

He will earn $3 million over the course of two seasons.

“Mikael really stepped-up last season and took advantage of the change in direction under a new coaching staff,” Jay Feaster, Flames General Manager said. “He came into camp in very good shape and also had regained his confidence. He parlayed that into a strong season, and if it wasn’t for his injury we believe he would have progressed even further in his development. We need Mikael to be one of our go-to players this year, and we are excited about watching him continue to evolve and take that step to the next level as a player.”

Backlund, 24-years of age, recorded 16 points last season in 32 games. He was drafted 24th-overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Flames. Backlund is the most recent player drafted in the first-round by the Flames to play consistently in the NHL since Dion Phanuef in 2003.