Mikael Backlund will remain in Calgary for a long time.
The Flames anounced Friday that they had signed Backlund to a six-year contract extension worth $32.1 million, with the player saying it was "an easy decision" to re-sign with the club that drafted him.
Pen to paper!@mbacklund11 signing his six-year contract extension with the #Flames! pic.twitter.com/C7z6Lhtfxy
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 17, 2018
A 28-year-old centre from Vasteras, Sweden, Backlund was drafted 24th overall by the Flames in 2007. He has scored 104 goals and added 158 assists in 519 regular season games for the club. Backlund has 34 points through 58 games in the 2017-18 NHL season.
"Our goal our whole time was to sign here and stay in Calgary. We’ve always loved the city ... We’re comfortable here. This is home for us. Has been for a lot of years. It was an easy decision." - @mbacklund11 on signing a six-year extension with the #Flames pic.twitter.com/od65y6ajpV
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 17, 2018
In addition to his play with the Flames, Backlund has represented Sweden at the international level. He has won several medals with his national team at various levels, including a bronze at the 2014 World Championships.