Mikael Backlund is a Swedish professional ice hockey player who has spent his entire career with the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on March 17, 1989, in Vasteras, Sweden, and began playing hockey at a young age.
Backlund was selected by the Flames in the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, 24th overall. He made his NHL debut with the Flames during the 2008-09 season and quickly established himself as a reliable two-way forward. He spent the majority of his first few seasons with the Flames playing on the third and fourth lines, but gradually worked his way up to a more prominent role.
In the 2012-13 season, Backlund had a breakout year, setting career highs in goals (10) and points (25) while playing in all 32 games of the shortened season. He continued to improve in the following seasons, becoming a key player for the Flames and earning a reputation as one of the best defensive forwards in the league.
Backlund's strong play earned him a six-year contract extension with the Flames in 2018, worth $32.1 million. He continued to be a consistent performer for the team, contributing both offensively and defensively. In the 2018-19 season, he set a career high in points with 47, including 21 goals.
Throughout his career, Backlund has also represented Sweden in international competition. He has played in several World Championships, winning a gold medal in 2018 and a silver medal in 2011. He also played in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, helping Sweden reach the semifinals.
Off the ice, Backlund is known for his charitable work. He has been involved with several organizations, including the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation and the Flames Foundation for Life. He was also named the Flames' nominee for the NHL's King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2020, which recognizes players who demonstrate leadership on and off the ice and make significant humanitarian contributions to their communities.
As of 2022, Backlund is still an active player for the Flames and remains an important part of the team's success. He has played over 700 games in the NHL and has scored over 150 goals and 350 points. He is widely regarded as one of the best two-way forwards in the league and a key player for the Flames.
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