[News] Darryl Sutter out as Head Coach. Maloney presser at 11:30 AM MT

[JohnnyB]

Can't make him captain before a new GM and a new coach are in place. A new GM might want to trade him. A new coach might want someone else. He deserves captaincy, but it shouldn't be taken for granted that he'll even be around.

[MrMike]

As long as the Backlund extension is reasonable or team friendly, let’s see how much he really wants the captaincy

[getbak]

The one time in his career he has worn the C, he raised the hardware...

[flambers]

Flames missed their opportunity on this one, Backlund now has 1 year left.

No way, he should be named Captain unless he resigns.

However, Flames should not sign him to anything long term.

[Spurs]

Hope Backlund doesn't get an extension and certainly have no interest in seeing him as captain. We need to move on from these types of players not give them longer boat anchor contracts and make them a bigger part of the team.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by Spurs

Hope Backlund doesn't get an extension and certainly have no interest in seeing him as captain. We need to move on from these types of players not give them longer boat anchor contracts and make them a bigger part of the team.

Anything said by Moon should be completely ignored.

[kermitology]

Backlund should have been named captain at the start of the season or last season. It’s too late now in my mind unless he’s willing to sign a modest contract. If he’s getting less than $4M then fine, but otherwise no.

Trade Lindholm and try to target someone in the 23-25 year old range. We need to acquire younger players, not pay 30 year olds huge money.

[Vinny01]

If Backlund is willing to sign a 3 year extension at a low rate then I guess sure he is the longest serving Flame and make him the captain. I really think the org should consider trading one of Backlund or Lindholm this summer and ideally keep the other.

[flambers]

Originally Posted by Vinny01

If Backlund is willing to sign a 3 year extension at a low rate then I guess sure he is the longest serving Flame and make him the captain. I really think the org should consider trading one of Backlund or Lindholm this summer and ideally keep the other.

Agreed, if I had to guess... I would think Lindholm won't resign,

[Paulie Walnuts]

Being sentimental is the reason we are in this position. If Backlund wants to sign for a cheap deal and get the C sure lets do it, but giving him a retirement contract because we feel like we owe him one will keep us spinning in this wheel we are in.

Need to operate more like NFL teams do with running backs and cut bait before its too late.

[dino7c]

Backlund just had his best career season, he will be a good player for a few more years IMO

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Give Backlund his retirement contract and throw the C on his chest. For every up and down this team has had he's been there giving it his all regardless, and is easily one of the best playoff performers we have. Plays with whoever he's given and makes them better every time.

Backlund was or best forward this year. Mention to Toffoli as well.

Backlund is a more well rounded forward.

[Spurs]

Mikael Backlund is 34 years old expecting last season to be anything other than a great peak season for him is a good way to get us into even more cap hell than we already are.
With the Markstrom, Kadri and Hubredeau deals already it is hard to see how this team makes the massive improvements needed to compete if Backlund is given a big deal.

That doesn't even consider guys like Lindholm and Toffoli that need deals as well.

[Ashes]

People saying we shouldn't sign Backlund because his age would make him another boat anchor contract.. but why would Backlund choose to sign with the Flames who are a boat anchor of an organization right now?

He said he wants to win a cup, is he really going to sign here for the rest of his career for peanuts just on the off-chance we use the extra cap space wisely? He won't make as much money as he could on the open market (if money is important to him), and won't have as good of a chance of winning a cup if he stays (if winning is more important to him). I think it's time to capitalize on the asset and focus on naming a younger captain, my vote goes to Andersson.

I think Backlund is gone, and honestly the cap space would be welcome. He's been a good soldier for us but if he was going to be captain it should of happened after Gio left IMO.

[ComixZone]

I'd trade Backlund at the draft this off-season, not extend and name him the Captain.

He has requested a trade (at least once), he couldn't help the dressing room last season - just move on. This organization doesn't need more of the same - turn the page. Yeah, Backlund has been here a long time - a long, long time loaded with failure. Remember when we used to mock the Oilers because they kept ruining youngsters with their "losing culture"...and here we are clamouring to name a 34 year old centre who has been part of two playoff series victories to be named captain? Enough of that.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Backlund just had his best career season, he will be a good player for a few more years IMO

I don't think he has anymore 50 plus point seasons in him as a 3C.

He should be paid accordingly.

Bergeron type year to year deals to try to win a last one with us.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by ComixZone

I'd trade Backlund at the draft this off-season, not extend and name him the Captain.

He has requested a trade (at least once), he couldn't help the dressing room last season - just move on. This organization doesn't need more of the same - turn the page. Yeah, Backlund has been here a long time - a long, long time loaded with failure. Remember when we used to mock the Oilers because they kept ruining youngsters with their "losing culture"...and here we are clamouring to name a 34 year old centre who has been part of two playoff series victories to be named captain? Enough of that.

Who would you name captain? Hard to imagine whoever it is looks better than Backlund for it.

[NewFan]

Backlund was my most favorite player until last season. So I'm more on to trade him than keep him. He thinks this team with current roster can't win the Cup and he wanted to go to contender. I understand him and agree with him.
I hope he will be traded at trade deadline to contender for pure draft picks and prospects unless he totally change his mind and sign low cap deal for shorter term.

[ComixZone]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

Who would you name captain? Hard to imagine whoever it is looks better than Backlund for it.

Huberdeau or Weegar would be at the top of my list. Huberdeau's work with Pelletier and seemingly trying to correct the situation with Sutter strikes me as admirable.

[flamesgod]

One of Andersson, Weegar or Huberdeau, would be my choice for captain.