Flames bring back Backlund

“Mikael has an opportunity to step-up and attempt to secure a top two-line
center position with our club,” said Flames general manager Jay Feaster. “He
is a very talented player who skates well, has excellent vision and possesses
a strong skill set. As we have discussed with him, Mikael needs to work on his
consistency and his focus in order to break through in a top six role and
start to define his role on our team.”

Backlund was slowed at the outset of last season after suffering a broken
finger which required surgery that kept him out until mid-November. He
finished the year with only four goals and 11 points in 41 games.

The 23-year-old Swede has totaled 15 goals and 31 assists in 138 NHL
appearances over parts of four seasons with Calgary.