Calgary Flames sign Mikael Backlund to six-year contract extension

It finally happened! The Calgary Flames have finally signed Mikael Backlund to a six-year contract extension with an AAV of $5.35 million.

It’s been a few months in the work, but the Calgary Flames have finally signed C Mikael Backlund to an extension! I was in Black Panther and left to a bunch of notifications about it. Like, the Flames WOULD sign Backs while I’m in a movie. That would absolutely happen because they hate me.

Anyways, many people were hoping this would happen in the off-season to not create any distraction. But with the Jaromir Jagr signing and the draft and bringing Travis Hamonic, Brad Treliving was a busy man. But it’s finally happened!

We know Matthew Tkachuk‘s excited about it.

Backlund is here to stay for another six years with an AAV of $5.35 million. That’s quite a good price for one of the best two-way centres in the game. I mean, the Flames have their top guys are REALLY great prices. Good job Mr. Treliving.

Over the last couple of seasons, Backlund has finally been getting the recognition he deserves. After flying under the radar for a while, people are finally starting to realize just how good he is in all aspects of the game. The team was calling him “Mikael Selke” last season, and while many thought he was deserving of the Selke Award, he wasn’t even nominated.

Related Story: Mikael Backlund Should Be a Selke Finalist

Last season was a season-high for Backs with 22 goals and 53 points. So far this season, he has 10 goals and 34 points. The Flames and Mikael Backlund are both excited they can finally come to an agreement for a contract.

Via Calgary Flames:

"“This,” Backlund said, “has always been my mindset. Last year as a line, we had a good year.“We have a good team. We’re getting better and better.“Our goal our whole time was to sign here and stay in Calgary. Since the first day I got here, and then Frida got here, we’ve loved the city.“This is where we wanted to be; where we wanted to stay.”“He’s an important player,” said the Calgary Flames’ general manager, having polished off a lengthy extension for the valuable Swedish centreman. “He’s a part of the culture, the DNA, of our team.“He looks after himself, he plays in a lot of situations, on both sides of the puck. Plays a premier position.“He fits here. This is a guy who helps you win. We’ve locked up a core piece of our team.“It’s a great day.“To get this done is a big piece of business.”"

Next: David Rittich comes up big with Mike Smith injured

Calgary is where it all began with him and the Flames had to remain patient with him in his first few seasons. But that patience has been finally paying off over the last few years.

We’re glad to have you in Calgary for six more years, Backs!