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EVERLAST · 03-09-2022, 06:46 PM

I'll never forget Darryl back in 2008 talking #11
Calgary Flames
Backlund a 'great 18-year-old' player

January 7, 2008
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Calgary general manager Darryl Sutter travelled to the Czech Republic to take in the World Junior Championship and very much liked what he saw from two Calgary prospects.

Both Mikael Backlund, the Flames first round pick last June, and Jusso Puustinen, a fifth round pick in 2006, put the puck in the net for their respective teams.

Backlund was one of the major reasons Sweden emerged as a powerhouse and helped force overtime in the gold medal game against Canada while Puustinen, who plays for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL, had four goals and one assist for Finland in six games in the tournament.

"Great 18-year-old. I'll tell you that." said Sutter of Backlund, chosen 24th overall. "One of the best 18-year-olds in the tournament. He is going to be a really, really good hockey player."

03-09-2022, 06:46 PM	#5
EVERLAST Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary Exp:	I'll never forget Darryl back in 2008 talking #11 Calgary Flames Backlund a 'great 18-year-old' player January 7, 2008 Facebook Share Calgary general manager Darryl Sutter travelled to the Czech Republic to take in the World Junior Championship and very much liked what he saw from two Calgary prospects. Both Mikael Backlund, the Flames first round pick last June, and Jusso Puustinen, a fifth round pick in 2006, put the puck in the net for their respective teams. Backlund was one of the major reasons Sweden emerged as a powerhouse and helped force overtime in the gold medal game against Canada while Puustinen, who plays for the Kamloops Blazers in the WHL, had four goals and one assist for Finland in six games in the tournament. "Great 18-year-old. I'll tell you that." said Sutter of Backlund, chosen 24th overall. "One of the best 18-year-olds in the tournament. He is going to be a really, really good hockey player."