Mikael Backlund To Captain A New Look Flames Roster?

By Milica Zivic
— June 26, 2023

Summary

Multiple players could end up leaving and joining the Calgary Flames
Flames could end up with a new roster this season
Veteran Mikael Backlund says he is open to accepting captain’s role

The Calgary Flames finished in 5^th place on the Western Conference leaderboard during the last season, playing 82 games and registering 38 wins and 27 losses. They ended up scoring 260 goals and conceding 252 goals for the season.

The Flames know that they need to make a lot of changes in order to put in a better performance in the upcoming NHL season.

Flames Likely To Have New Look Roster

Some of the changes the Flames will be forced to make as there are rumours that some of their key players are looking to test free agency once again after successfully signing Nazem Kadri last year. Noah Hanifin who is one of the top defenders in the NHL has made it clear that he prefers to opt for a trade out while the number one center Elias Lindholm is also not very keen on staying on with the Flames.

Tyler Toffoli who is one of the top six wingers in the league has also stated that he is keen on moving on. All of these players have the option to test free agency in 2024 but also have the chance to sign an extension with the Flames if they want to.

Flames GM Craig Conroy will do his best to retain these players as he knows how integral it is to maintain a core team and build around it. If Conroy and his team are unable to retain these key players, the next option is to go after new players during the NHL draft and Calgary will need to be aggressive if they want to get the best players.

Mikael Backlund Open To Captaincy

One player that will not be leaving Calgary Flames anytime soon is veteran Mikael Backlund. The 34 year old center has been with the Flames for over a decade and has played 908 games with the team.

Backlund knows that there are rumours of an exodus from the Flames for the upcoming season and has taken it in his stride, saying it is part of the business and lots of trades can be expected during the off-season.

Backlund has also stated that he will be open to accepting the captaincy role if the Flames decided to offer him the opportunity to do so!

Find out the latest odds on the Flames captaincy and what chances they have of making it to the Stanley Cup Final in the upcoming season

Milica Zivic Author Milica is a keen sports enthusiast , she often contributes to betting.ca as well as other sites. Milica enjoys betting on varies events such as sports and others.