Mikael Backlund has been a member of the Flames since they drafted him in the first round of the 2007 National Hockey League draft, and his new contract would keep him in Calgary until 2028. Backlund is entering his 18th season with the Flames and third as the captain, and it now looks like he will be a Flame for life. If he is able to stay healthy he will be the Flames all-time games played record holder passing Jarome Iginla by the end of the contract.
The loyalty shown by both Backlund and the Flames organization is incredibly rare in this age of the NHL, and many wondered if he would request a trade to a contending organization for his chance to win a Stanley Cup.