[Signing] Flames sign Backlund to 2 year contract extension ($3.25 mil AAV)

[SuperMatt18]

Yeah there is nothing wrong with this, keep him around as a mentor and leader.

Hopefully the arena project is on time and he can be captain in the 27-28 season and lead the team onto the ice in the new arena.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by jg13

The only Alberta captain that's signing an extension!

In the last couple of weeks, Conroy has:

• Signed a guy named Connor to a multiyear extension.
  
• Signed a finalist for one of last season's league awards to a multiyear extension.
  
• Signed the team captain to a multiyear extension.

It's like he's taunting the Oilers at this point... Oh, and it turns out McDavid wasn't even a finalist for any of the league awards last season.

[ComixZone]

Perfect.

Cale Makar becomes our Captain in Summer 2027, and Backlund gets to have his Connie to Iggy moment.

[Vinny01]

I like this and am happy Backs wants to be a career long Flame. This will quiet any speculation he would be trade bait at the deadline as a pending UFA if the team is off to a poor start.

[ForeverFlameFan]

Keeping him as a leader and in the bottom 6 (especially with how he fares against the toughest competition in the league) far outweighs the measly 2nd/3rd + prospect we would likely get from a trade. Although, I would have been more than happy if he asked for a trade for better odds at a cup (because he deserves one). But not every player is like that, and I do agree with him that we are on the upswing.

Happy to have you stick around, Backs.

[browntrout]

So I am sure this opinion will be unpopular, but I would rather the team start ingesting youngsters into the lineup, honzek should be given a hard long look. I don't understand why the team would not wait till the offseason to sign him, maybe see if his play drops, he is 36, why the urgency to sign him now, why not keep your options open, maybe a premier centre becomes available via trade, etc.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by ForeverFlameFan

Keeping him as a leader and in the bottom 6 (especially with how he fares against the toughest competition in the league) far outweighs the measly 2nd/3rd + prospect we would likely get from a trade. Although, I would have been more than happy if he asked for a trade for better odds at a cup (because he deserves one). But not every player is like that, and I do agree with him that we are on the upswing.

Happy to have you stick around, Backs.

That’s why the Flames will win it while he’s here

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by browntrout

So I am sure this opinion will be unpopular, but I would rather the team start ingesting youngsters into the lineup, honzek should be given a hard long look. I don't understand why the team would not wait till the offseason to sign him, maybe see if his play drops, he is 36, why the urgency to sign him now, why not keep your options open, maybe a premier centre becomes available via trade, etc.

A long hard look where? Honzek is a winger, he played less than 10 AHL games at C last year.He was also a winger in junior. That's why I don't see how this relates to Backlund in any way. If Zary, and or Frost pass Backlund on the depth chart then it's great. At most Backlund will be blocking guys like Morton(26 y.o) and Kirkland(29 y.o). Reschney, Misa, and Potter are still at least a couple of years away. Kerins likely starts on LW if he makes the team.

I think we'll keep seeing an influx of youngsters on D out of camp, and in the bottom 6 as the Flames lose players to injuries.

[browntrout]

Originally Posted by gvitaly

A long hard look where? Honzek is a winger, he played less than 10 AHL games at C last year.He was also a winger in junior. That's why I don't see how this relates to Backlund in any way. If Zary, and or Frost pass Backlund on the depth chart then it's great. At most Backlund will be blocking guys like Morton(26 y.o) and Kirkland(29 y.o). Reschney, Misa, and Potter are still at least a couple of years away. Kerins likely starts on LW if he makes the team.

I think we'll keep seeing an influx of youngsters on D out of camp, and in the bottom 6 as the Flames lose players to injuries.

I understand some of the logic in signing him, my bigger issue was why now?, why not just reasses in the off season, maybe an upgrade at center is available via free agency or trade

[mogg]

Originally Posted by browntrout

So I am sure this opinion will be unpopular, but I would rather the team start ingesting youngsters into the lineup

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by browntrout

I understand some of the logic in signing him, my bigger issue was why now?, why not just reasses in the off season, maybe an upgrade at center is available via free agency or trade

I missed the part of the press release where the Flames stated this locks down who will play center for the club for the next three seasons, and additionally that the organization will refuse to even consider any other center in the league as a potential Calgary Flame, should they become available between now and the end of the 27-28 season.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by mogg

Hey...during off-season it can be a bit of a party...a Donner Party!!

[dammage79]

Not en egregious amount. And as someone who felt Backs could retire a flame or be traded. I'm okay they chose the retire a flame option.

He's been a steady fixture for this team for...forever.
And often overlooked for his consistency.

He's gonna be this new cores Stephan Yelle. The 4th line vet who stalwarts defensively.

Now the question is, who steps up to the mantle and accepts the pencil bundle that's been handed down from Iggy to Gio to backs

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by browntrout

I understand some of the logic in signing him, my bigger issue was why now?, why not just reasses in the off season, maybe an upgrade at center is available via free agency or trade

That's fair. As for why now, because Backlund was back in town, he had a discussion with his family, so he called Conroy on his 2nd or 3rd day back in CGY. He told Conroy that he was ready to re-sign, and wanted to retire a Flame.

IMO it's better than having speculation around trading Backlund all season. It also benefits Backlund in offering him some security by converting his 15 team no trade list for 2025-26 into a full NMC until Jan 1st, 2028.

As far as an upgrade goes, the Flames were in on most of the under 25 Cs that were available over the last season: Cozens, Rossi, McTavish, Frost, etc. I don't think this would prevent the Flames from upgrading the C position. At worst it would still push Backlund to a 4C, PK specialist role.

Finally, there would be exactly 2 C's that would be an upgrade on Backlund in free agency next year: McDavid, and Eichel.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by Locke

Hey...during off-season it can be a bit of a party...a Donner Party!!

Gives new meaning to dog eat dog

[Goriders]

Great ambassador for the team

[Gallick]

Love this. Backlund is a gem and $3.25m is basically the minimum for a veteran with his resume.

[Sandman]

No matter how many points Backs puts up, he's worth way more than his weight in gold when it comes to his influence on young players; few centers tilt the ice out of defensive starts the way he can, and few can elevate their linemates from a fancy-stats standpoint the way he can. He's a positive example of hard work, responsible play, and not cheating the game- even if he'll be doing it from the fourth-line at some point. We may not be Stanley Cup contenders over the course of his signing, but his presence serves our youth for years to come. Well done, Conny!

[CsInMyBlood]

Great contract for a great player, captain, mentor and person.

Awesome news!

[Bonded]

Originally Posted by browntrout

I understand some of the logic in signing him, my bigger issue was why now?, why not just reasses in the off season, maybe an upgrade at center is available via free agency or trade

They were waiting on Backlund to decide whether he wanted to chase a cup or chase Flames records. It wasn’t a question of roster fit or upgrades so timing didn’t really matter.