I Like Mikael Backlund

[Coach]

He's probably had them before, but I think it's time we re-establish some love for this man.

After a rocky start to his career (one that was not unlike our floundering youngster, Bennett) Backlund made an about-face in his mid-twenties to grow into one of the game's premier two-way forwards, leader of the Swedish international team, and quietly climbed the Flames all-time ranks, currently sitting at 8th in GP, 16th in PTS, and tied for 3rd for most full seasons at 13. You can imagine the names in his company on mostly made up of those we revere here. It's easy to forget we are watching one of the best ever Flames in his prime.

Just want to say I'm thankful for his passion for this city and this team, his hatred of our rivals, and for his perseverance that has lead to him being one of the team's most important core pieces. As a defenseman at heart, I've always had a big appreciation for forwards like him. Hope he's in the C forever.

Maybe one day his moustache will fill out.







[INSERT "BACKLUND V CANUCKS GLASS SLAM" GIF HERE]

[Buff]

I can't stop talking about Mikael Backlund

[Monahammer]

This thread is good, and you should feel good!

[Buff]

I feel shame. He's been good for this team for a long time. Yet, I never considered him a favorite. There's nothing about him or his play that I've really disliked. Why don't I give him more credit? I'll be better.

[David Struch]

Geoff Ward can't say enough about the swagger of Mikael Backlund and his Selke level play these past two seasons.

https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status...06012856373250

I feel confident in saying that Backlund will be one of the Flames seven protected forwards in the Expansion Draft.

Matthew Tkachuk
Mikael Backlund
Elias Lindholm
Dillon Dubé
Andrew Mangiapane
Sean Monahan
Johnny Gaudreau

[ForeverFlameFan]

I’ve been told he’s a 5.35m cap dump and not even worth protecting

[alan21]

He would be Seattle’s best Forward if he can be had for free.

[boogerz]

He might have ended up even better if Sutter didn't play him with nothing but grinders for those first couple seasons and neuter his offensive ability

[shadowlord]

He also has an impressive track record of making his wingers better. The "Backlund effect" has been seen with different team mates over the past 5+ years.

[David Struch]

Yup, throughout his entire career Backlund has never had the opportunity to play with the Flames best wingers, Iginla, Bourque, Tanguay, Cammalleri, Hudler, Gaudreau...

[flamesfever]

Originally Posted by David Struch

Yup, throughout his entire career Backlund has never had the opportunity to play with the Flames best wingers, Iginla, Bourque, Tanguay, Cammalleri, Hudler, Gaudreau...

I think that's because his defensive skills have played such an important role on the team.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Mikael Backlund likes puppies.

[shadowlord]

Originally Posted by David Struch

Yup, throughout his entire career Backlund has never had the opportunity to play with the Flames best wingers, Iginla, Bourque, Tanguay, Cammalleri, Hudler, Gaudreau...

I don't recall the line combos from the Iggy era, but I thought Backlund was being groomed to be that top-line centre that the franchise desparately needed.

Unfortunately, Backlund didn't have the strong scoring numbers in general with Iginla or otherwise so the search for a #1C continued.

[AC]

[Hockey-and_stuff]

I love Backlund a lot, which is why I was so frustrated with him to start the season.

Looks like he has the kinks worked out and is contributing positively again along with Mangiapane and Lucic. When he's going it creates a very effective third line for the Flames.

[868904]

Originally Posted by David Struch

Yup, throughout his entire career Backlund has never had the opportunity to play with the Flames best wingers, Iginla, Bourque, Tanguay, Cammalleri, Hudler, Gaudreau...

That is pretty crazy. Who was better in their prime, Conroy or Backlund?

Does Backlund put up 80 points centring a prime Iggy?

[442scotty]

Nice to see Lucic doing well with Backlund but Tkachuk really needs to be back on that line. He still looks lost a bit with Lindholm. But then who goes with Lindholm....

[Coach]

Originally Posted by David Struch

Yup, throughout his entire career Backlund has never had the opportunity to play with the Flames best wingers, Iginla, Bourque, Tanguay, Cammalleri, Hudler, Gaudreau...

I'd say when he was younger he had some looks with the Iginla groups, but just wasn't there yet. Turns out it wasn't his place really.

[MacFlame]

He must retire as a flame. He must never play for another team. I'm not joking, even a little. Backlund is the only player I have ever felt full allegiance to in the regard. Not Iggy. Not Regehr. Not anyone eldse. Only Backlund.

He is not the best player on the Calgary Flames. He is not the worst player on the Calgary Flames. He is not even my favorite player on the Calgary Flames. But, he oozes what this team is about,

He seems to love being here. He is a quality person. You simply do what you can to always keep players like this. The team up north would have traded a player like this long ago. The flames management is too smart to do something like that. They know what they have.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Coach

I'd say when he was younger he had some looks with the Iginla groups, but just wasn't there yet. Turns out it wasn't his place really.

He played a fair bit with Iginla in his 2nd and 3rd years, as much as with any other winger.

Really though, he’s had a real mixed bag. The most regular wingers have been Frolik and Tkachuk.