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Five Best Options To Be The Next Calgary Flames Captain

ByNathan Smith|
WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 5: Andrew Mangiapane #88, MacKenzie Weegar #52 and Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames celebrate a goal while Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets looks up in the second period during a game on April 5, 2023 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead/Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA - APRIL 5: Andrew Mangiapane #88, MacKenzie Weegar #52 and Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames celebrate a goal while Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets looks up in the second period during a game on April 5, 2023 at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Jason Halstead/Getty Images)
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CALGARY, CANADA – APRIL 12: Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames smiles after his assist on a second period goal against the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on April 12, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leah Hennel/Getty Images)
CALGARY, CANADA – APRIL 12: Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames smiles after his assist on a second period goal against the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on April 12, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leah Hennel/Getty Images)

1. Mikael Backlund

Mikael Backlund is for most, the obvious choice to be the next captain of the Calgary Flames, but without a contract beyond this season, it’s tough to see him being named the captain unless he signs an extension.

In recent interviews, Backlund has expressed his desire to compete for a Stanley Cup, with the Flames likely wanting to bring the longest tenured Flame back once again, and if they can do that, he is the best possible choice.

Backlund was drafted by Calgary at No. 24 overall back in the 2007 NHL Draft, making his debut with the team in 2008/09, and while he’s not delivered the way some would have expected, he’s been a consistent force for the team ever since, racking up 185 goals and 307 assists in 908 games, and for many fans, he would be the popular choice.

So simply put, if Backlund re-signs in Calgary for multiple years, he is the best possible answer, but if he doesn’t not only have the Flames lost a great person and a great player, but one of the best leaders in the locker room.

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