Mikael Backlund is a reliable hockey player. The product of Vasteras, Sweden has become a foundational piece of the Calgary Flames lineup over the past half-decade, rising from being a fourth liner in the early days of Bob Hartley’s tenure to a consistent name in Selke Trophy conversations.
The 2017-18 campaign saw Backlund take a step forward and a step back, as his box-car statistics took a bit of a tumble but he was arguably more important to the Flames’ success than he ever has been. He also signed a six-year contract extension that’ll see him with the club through the 2023-24.