Backlund and Andersson Tidbits

[Jiggy]

Recent article in The Athletic.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...l-player-tour/

Sounds like Backlund would like to sign an extension. And Andersson getting traded is very likely.

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund, one of the rare NHL players who says he’d only want to play in Canada, wants to finish his career as a Calgary Flame.

That means the 36-year-old center, who’s entering his 17th full season, is hoping to sign an extension as he enters the second year of a two-year deal. But he knows that likely won’t be the same for longtime teammate Rasmus Andersson.

“Yeah, he’s getting traded. It’s obvious,” Backlund said at the NHL player media tour in Europe. “But the team wants value. He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, just go out and play. I talked to him, too, and he doesn’t want to be a distraction. So it’s all good. It’s too bad it’s come to this. I don’t think that they’re close to getting an agreement or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We’ll see.”

[Yeah_Baby]

Fine. I'll say it. I want Backlund to retire a Flame.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Look, if Andersson doesn't want to re-sign here at a fair dollar amount, that's fine. I do like that Backlund is reassuring Andersson to play well regardless of the outcome. Playing well is a win-win for both parties whether it's an extension with the Flames or traded to a team that he can agree signing with.

[FBI]

I like Calgary Flames tidbits

[CroFlames]

I remember the articles being written about Iggy's 17th season and if he'd stay or be traded. Now Backs is in his 17th season.

We old.

[GranteedEV]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

Fine. I'll say it. I want Backlund to retire a Flame.

I wouldn't mind if he joined a contender and contributed towards a Stanley Cup, probably one of the most deserving vets for that outcome in the league, but otherwise agreed.

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

I wouldn't mind if he joined a contender and contributed towards a Stanley Cup, probably one of the most deserving vets for that outcome in the league, but otherwise agreed.

Yeah, it’s so tough to pick the winner though. Iggy was so close to picking right

[blankall]

I like this. I hope that Backlund is also willing to take a reduced role on the team, without any drama, as he ages. He's always been a team player in the past, but who really knows.

[Incogneto]

Kinda hope he ends up on the bench or front office. Lifelong Calgarian.

[Jiggy]

Originally Posted by Incogneto

Kinda hope he ends up on the bench or front office. Lifelong Calgarian.

In an interview with Flames TV, I remember Backs and his wife saying they would move back to Sweden once he retires, but his daughter said she wanted to stay in Calgary and not go back to Sweden full time. Will be interesting on what they decide.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by Incogneto

Kinda hope he ends up on the bench or front office. Lifelong Calgarian.

That kind of feels like the destined outcome.

Maybe his family takes a year or two abroad or in Sweden but ultimately I think he ends up back in calgary with a position in hockey ops.


Would be nice if Andersson can not throw a wrench into any further trade discussions and let something be worked out

Problem with being picky with destinations the ones you want may not have high interest in that they'll send market value for the acquisition.

In the end I expect the Flames to get an underwhelming return.

[activeStick]

Originally Posted by Incogneto

Kinda hope he ends up on the bench or front office. Lifelong Calgarian.

Yup, me too. Would be proud to have him be a lifelong Calgarian. Also, probably just the way it's written in the article, but I really liked how his comments about Ras came across that OP quoted. Feels like under Backlund's watch, Ras won't be a distraction.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Look, if Andersson doesn't want to re-sign here at a fair dollar amount, that's fine. I do like that Backlund is reassuring Andersson to play well regardless of the outcome. Playing well is a win-win for both parties whether it's an extension with the Flames or traded to a team that he can agree signing with.

I think Andersson wants FMV, and the Flames want a home town discount.

Which is fine, Calagry is not set up to contend anytime soon, they should not be giving Andersson a FMV contract for 8 years.

[Sec214]

SHOCKER!

Insert Train Leaving GIF.

[Calgary Highlander]

If Backlund plays two or three more seasons and overtakes Iginla as #1 for all-time games played, is his jersey up for retirement in a few years?

[SuperMatt18]

Is is interesting to see a player talk about a teammates situation so openly and bluntly.

I can't recall another situation where a player says that so directly.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by Calgary Highlander

If Backlund plays two or three more seasons and overtakes Iginla as #1 for all-time games played, is his jersey up for retirement in a few years?

No, love the guy - but jersey retirement, like the HHOF, should only be reserved for the league-wide elite.

[Snuffleupagus]

Originally Posted by Yeah_Baby

Fine. I'll say it. I want Backlund to retire a Flame.

I do too, but would he sign a team friendly deal? Backlund at 37 is likely only a $1.5-2m player and I wouldn't go over a one year term.

[Parallex]

Originally Posted by Calgary Highlander

If Backlund plays two or three more seasons and overtakes Iginla as #1 for all-time games played, is his jersey up for retirement in a few years?

Probably not. Maybe they'll resurrect the "forever a flame" thing... which is lame but they seem really reluctant to retire numbers.

I do really want Backlund to be a career Flame and then have them find a spot for him in the organization... maybe as a coach? My gut says he'd be a good coach.

[Jiri Hrdina]

Originally Posted by Snuffleupagus

I do too, but would he sign a team friendly deal? Backlund at 37 is likely only a $1.5-2m player and I wouldn't go over a one year term.

Following this deal they should just transition to a series of 1 year deals until he's done.
The one thing that he apparently doesn't want to do is get shifted to the wing. Steinberg was talking about this recently, and how unhappy he was when Ward moved him to the wing. Which I had entirely forgotten about.

That was a weird season.