The Calgary Flames have a handful of pending unrestricted free brokers who could possibly be made out there for commerce in the event that they’re not signed this offseason. The Flames traded one in all them, Tyler Toffoli, on Tuesday for restricted free agent Yegor Sharangovich and their very own third-round choose that they initially despatched to Seattle in the course of the 2021-22 season.
However not one of the reported outgoing names have extra sentimental worth to the fan base than Mikael Backlund.
The Swedish centre has performed over 900 video games with the Flames and grown right into a dependable defensive centre. In his age-34 season, Backlund recorded a career-high 56 factors in 82 video games and completed sixth in Selke Trophy voting.
Followers have been so enamoured over his management, that they’ve clamoured for him to be captain. The Flames haven’t had one since Mark Giordano left the group in 2021. Backlund has proven dedication to the Calgary neighborhood, supporting initiatives like Particular Olympics Calgary and the ALS Society of Alberta. On Monday evening, Backlund was awarded the King Clancy Trophy for his humanitarian work. He’s the fourth Flames participant to obtain the honour, following within the footsteps of group icons like Lanny McDonald, Joe Nieuwendyk and Jarome Iginla. So, after all, Backlund and his household’s loving embrace of town of Calgary would undoubtedly endear him to followers.
It’s additionally why his feedback on the finish of the Flames’ disappointing season have been so jarring. Backlund mentioned it was the toughest season he had ever performed when contemplating the psychological and bodily toll. Backlund appeared non-committal When requested about his future past his contract expiring subsequent summer season.
“We’ll see what occurs,” Backlund mentioned in April. “I like being right here for a very long time. I like Calgary. I like this group. However the 12 months we had. I’m 34 years outdated. I need to win the Stanley Cup. I don’t know, this summer season, what’s going to occur. In the event that they even provide me something. I would need to see what this group can do earlier than I decide.”
Two months later, after profitable the King Clancy, Backlund advised the media that his Flames future was out of his hands and that it wouldn’t be his “choice” to remain or go. And now, with the Toffoli commerce accomplished, there will likely be extra anticipation for extra strikes because the hours tick nearer to draft time.
Equally to what we did with Toffoli, we mapped out attainable commerce locations for Backlund. We’ve additionally added evaluation of what a brand new contract for Backlund may appear to be.
What would possibly Backlund’s subsequent contract price?
If a group goes to commerce for Backlund, who’s a 12 months away from unrestricted free company, that group will in all probability need some certainty that he’s going to stay round. That’s the most effective likelihood of the Flames’ growing the return for him, anyway.
Backlund’s going into the ultimate 12 months of a six-year contract that has a $5.35 million cap hit. If he have been to hit unrestricted free company this summer season, Evolving-Hockey tasks a three-year cope with a $5.53 million cap hit — so a slight increase, after one in all his finest seasons to this point. A two-year deal, which is available in on the second highest likelihood, would have a mean annual worth of $4.63 million. The issue is, he’s not a UFA this summer season. He’ll be 35 when his subsequent deal kicks in, and there’s clearly some extra threat to that signing particularly if he doesn’t sustain his offensive sport from 2022-23. The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn’s mannequin factors to him having a mean market worth of $4.56 million between 2024-25 and 2025-26. Add in a 3rd 12 months, and that common dips a bit to $4.16 million. So, that three-year contract could also be a bit steep for what he’d be anticipated to contribute, realistically.
The place may he find yourself?
Boston
The Bruins would be the most intriguing contender as a result of there’s a lot uncertainty round their top-six heart depth. If Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci don’t return, Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha in all probability get expanded roles. However neither one is the right choice to tackle Bergeron’s shutdown minutes, one thing that Backlund may assist with (minus the identical elite offence, clearly). Even when one in all Bergeron and Krejci returns, there may nonetheless be room for Backlund to maintain Zacha on the wing the place he had quite a lot of success final 12 months. The secret is making cap house; already Boston needed to transfer out Taylor Corridor, with Derek Forbort and Mike Reilly wanting just like the group’s subsequent choices to maneuver.
Colorado
If the Avalanche plan to maneuver on from J.T. Compher, and even deadline add Lars Eller, Backlund may fill in as a 3rd centre whereas including some worth down the center together with his defensive work and penalty killing. Because of the Alex Newhook deal, the Avs have a late first-round choose and an early second-rounder, in the event that they’re searching for inspiration for a commerce. However the Flames may at all times attempt to land a younger participant from the Avs’ prospect pool or roster who may assist them now.
Nashville
The Predators are a little bit of a darkish horse right here as a result of normal supervisor Barry Trotz appears centered extra on the long run. But when the thought is to in some way flip this group round a little bit bit sooner for his or her core three, perhaps Backlund may assist. The veteran would be capable of soak up some shutdown minutes and liberate a few of the youthful facilities on the roster, like Juuso Parssinen and Thomas Novak. With Ryan Johansen’s contract out of the best way, there’s quite a lot of flexibility in Nashville. After which the group is stocked with picks, so a couple of could possibly be moved in the correct trades.
Pittsburgh
The Penguins are all in in terms of maximizing what’s left of the rivalry window with Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin. They may use an improve on the third heart, versus utilizing Jeff Carter and even Ryan Poehling. We’ve talked about choose swaps earlier than between these two groups, so that would at all times be a place to begin for a transfer whereas additionally taking over a prospect in return. Crucial factor for Calgary is that Pittsburgh can tackle Backlund’s wage and match.
St. Louis
It’s attainable the Blues already acquired their one heart of the offseason in Kevin Hayes, however it wouldn’t damage to have somebody a bit extra defensive to select up on Ryan O’Reilly’s workload. Hayes was a shutdown heart in New York however struggled in his personal zone with the Flyers so he will not be good for the position. Nobody else on this roster is absolutely constructed for it, both. If the thought is to liberate Robert Thomas and let him thrive, perhaps a shutdown heart could possibly be added. That will require shifting somebody like Brayden Schenn to wing. Nonetheless, he’s higher at centre and prefers it. That, paired with a few of their cap hurdles, may take them out of the operating.
Washington
The Capitals are a bit out of sight and thoughts in comparison with different aggressive groups, however they’re nonetheless regarded as a group that also want to make a run on the postseason so long as they’ve Alex Ovechkin. Whereas this group technically has three top-nine facilities below contract, they’re with out a defensive 3C since Eller departed; Backlund could be an improve there if the Capitals can minimize cap elsewhere.
However what a few attainable return? Throwing a top-10 choose for Backlund is an overpay. However the Capitals do have a second and a fourth on this 12 months’s draft. Would the Flames reasonably that as an alternative of a younger participant within the Capitals system? If Conroy’s needs from the Toffoli commerce are any indication, the group would possibly desire a younger contributor from the Capitals.
(High picture of Mikael Backlund: Sergei Belski / USA In the present day)
