Mikael Backlund is emerging as the deserved front-runner to be the next captain of the Calgary Flames.
I speculated that a possible reason for delayed negotiations between Elias Lindholm and the Flames could be due to Calgary’s prioritization of a Backlund extension, which would allow GM Craig Conroy and head coach Ryan Huska to hold up their end of the bargain by naming a Flames captain by the beginning of the regular season.
On today’s episode of the 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, Elliotte Friedman threw some gas on the Backlund extension fire:
"“I think they are talking and…I don’t want to make predictions here because negotiations are a grind, Calgary’s going to try and get its best deal, and Backlund’s going to get his best deal – or try to, anyway – and it takes time to get there. But I am under the impression they are talking and I do believe Backlund has indicated he is willing to stay.”"
And on Mikael Backlund becoming the next Calgary Flames captain:
"“It would not surprise me in the least bit if the Flames are saying, ‘You get this done, you’re our C.’ I don’t know that they’re doing that, but I would not be surprised in the least. I think the players believe that Backlund is the true captain of the team and I’m sure the organization is not blind to it.”"
As we heard from several reporters with boots on the ground at Flames training camp the past couple of days, the mood among the group is elevated and according to Friedman, Backlund reflects that sentiment:
"“He’s come back, he’s in a much better mood, he’s very important to [the Flames] on and off the ice…I think there’s something here to keep an eye on when it comes to Backlund. I think he now wants to stay and I think the Flames want it to happen.”"
If he’s the de facto captain in the room and his teammates see him as such, that could be the single most important factor in support of Mikael Backlund to become the 21st captain in Calgary Flames history.
Backlund is the longest serving Flame, has been in Calgary his entire career, and is coming off of his best offensive season despite being 34 years old.
Ignore reports based on headshots claiming Backlund has been stripped of his captaincy and expect him – pending an extension – to finally get his “C” in Calgary.
Captain BaCklund has a nice ring to it.
Post-publishing update:
Wes Gilbertson of the Calgary Sun published a feature on what a revitalized Jonathan Huberdeau could mean for the Flames, in which the topic of a Backlund captaincy came up:
"…Huberdeau believes that the ‘C’ should be stitched on Mikael Backlund’s sweater. That seems to be a popular opinion — Nikita Zadorov recently expressed the same — but it will only happen if Backlund soon signs an extension with the club. Word is, the two sides are talking."
With support of his teammates, including those in the leadership group, odds are rising for a Mikael Backlund extension and “C”. More from Huberdeau via Gilbertson:
"“Obviously, we all know Backs should be the captain, but we’ll see what is going to happen,” Huberdeau said. “I think everybody should say it should be Mikael. I mean, he’s been here 14 years. He deserves to be and he’s a guy that he is leader. You can just tell. He gets everybody together and stuff like that. So in my opinion, it should be him. Obviously, there’s contract stuff, but hopefully he stays with us and is the captain.”"