Mikael Backlund has often stressed that he’d love to spend his entire NHL career in Calgary. Article content

His new contract should ensure it. Article content Article content

On the eve of training camp, the Flames announced that they’ve signed their captain and shutdown centre to a two-year extension with an annual cap hit of US$3.25 million.

The 36-year-old Backlund has one season left on his current contract, meaning his new deal covers the 2026-27 and 2027-28 campaigns.

Three instant takeaways from Wednesday’s big news …

Off the market

By getting this done in mid-September, it squashes any possibility that Backlund’s name will be floating around in the lead-up to the NHL trade deadline. Article content

On an expiring contract, and with his reputation as a reliable two-way

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