Backlund unsure of his future with Flames

Say it isn't so, Mike.

Sixteen years after the Calgary Flames drafted Mikael Backlund with their first-round draft pick, the centreman hinted Friday his time wading in the C of Red could be ending.

Asked during interviews with media about his future following the end of the Flames' disappointing 2022-23 NHL campaign — one that saw Calgary, a championship contender just a year ago, miss the playoffs — the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent said he is waiting to "see what happens." That likely includes what the Flames decide to do with their front-office staff: general manager Brad Treliving's contract is also expiring.

“I’ve been here for a long time and I love Calgary, I love this organization,” said Backlund, who finished the season with 56 points — his personal best — while playing a critical checking role. 

“But (considering) the year that we had, I’m 34 years old and I want to win the Stanley Cup … I don’t know this summer (in free agency) what’s going to happen, if they even offer me anything. I might want to see what this group can do before I make a decision.” 

Backlund, who has logged 908 NHL games, is closer to the end of his time playing in The Show than he is to the beginning, so it's understandable that he would want as good a chance at Cup glory before he retires. 

While he said he would "love to do it here in Calgary," the road to and through the playoffs with the Flames hasn't been fruitful over his career.

“I’ve only been in the second round here. I want to go further,” Backlund said. “The year that we had this year, it’s frustrating. It’s not the year any of us wanted to have.

“My dream is, like anyone else, to win a Stanley Cup, but the biggest dream of all would be to do it here in Calgary."