I think it is too much reading into things. I think Backlund says exactly what he means (as long as Google translate works).
In the garbage day presser, he states: "I want to win, and I am old already. I want to win a Stanley Cup before I retire. I prefer that it happens in Calgary, but if not.." Not verbatim as I am too lazy to look it up exactly.
In this interview, it is pretty much the same thing. Flames looked like a contender until the playoffs, and things didn't work out. Then they lost their 2 best players (and another player that was a big leader). (During this point is when Backlund apparently asked for his trade, and then rescinded it after the returns on the Tkachuk trade + Kadri signing were known). Seems like entering the season, the expectation from inside the room was to have a successful season. Things didn't work out. For whatever reason, the mix didn't work. Now he is unsure if he wants to continue with Calgary while Calgary is trying to figure out how to move forward again, as his number of years (or number of tries) is running out. I think that's fair.
As for the Sutter comments - nothing new here either. A lot of players love Sutter win or lose. However, a lot of players don't. Having a difficult coach is one thing, but having a difficult coach and losing is another. I don't think there is anything to dig deeper in either - I think what he says is what it is.
In my opinion, there should have been a captain on this team last year. Conroy thought so too. Some posters thought it was all just voodoo. A team without strong leadership - especially a strong captain - can fall apart quickly. I think that's partly to blame last year. This team just didn't gel properly and get moving all in the same direction. This is not saying that people didn't buy-in, or that there were factions in the room, but I just think this team didn't function very well as a team.
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