Friedman on Mikael Backlund: ‘I think he now wants to stay, and I think the Flames want it to happen’

“So, I think they are talking. And look, I don’t want to make predictions here because negotiations are a grind, Calgary is going to try to get its best deal and Backlund’s going to get his best deal, or try to anyway, and it takes time to get there, but I am under the impression that they are talking and I do believe Backlund has indicated he is willing to stay.

And I do think the other thing here too is, it would not surprise me in the least bit if the Flames are saying you ‘get this done, you’re our C.’ I don’t know that they’re doing that, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit. It makes sense. I think the players believe that Backlund is the true captain of the team and I’m sure the organization is not blind to it.

But he’s come back, remember how he felt at the end of last year? He’s come back, he’s in a much better mood. He’s very important to them on and off the ice? You know that King Clancy trophy he won last year for his community? [Jeff Marek: Yep.]  I think that was a big thing to remind everybody, this has been an excellent marriage. The marriage of Mikael Backlund and the Calgary Flames has been good for the organization, it’s been good for Mikael Backlund, his family and the community of Calgary.

After a summer of deep breath, I think everyone’s reconnected here. I do believe they’re talking. I think there’s a legitimate chance… I don’t think it’s imminent or anything else, and you still have to find a sweet spot that makes sense for both player and team, but I think there’s something here to keep an eye on when it comes to Backlund. I think he now wants to stay, and I think the Flames want it to happen. So now we just need to get from point A to point B.”