Another Flame will be playing in the upcoming World Cup of Hockey. Michael Backlund will replace Henrik Zetterberg for Team Sweden. He joins fellow Flames Sean Monahan (North America), Johnny Gaudreau (North America), Jyrki Jokipakka (Finland), Michael Frolik (Czech Republic) and Jakub Nakladal (kind of a Flame, Czech Republic) in the tournament.

Here’s how the roster breaks down:

Forwards:

Nicklas Backstrom, Loui Eriksson, Filip Forsberg, Patric Hornqvist, Carl Hagelin,  Marcus Kruger, Gabriel Landeskog, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Jakob Silfverberg, Carl Soderberg, Mikael Backlund, Rickard Rakell

Defence:

Mattias Ekholm, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Victor Hedman, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Erik Karlsson, Hampus Lindholm, Anton Stralman

Goalies:

Henrik Lundqvist, Robin Lehner, Jakob Markstrom

Clearly Team Sweden is going to be one of the more imposing groups at the tournament. Backlund likely slots in as a 3rd or 4th line C, which is nothing to be ashamed of given the collection of all-stars on this roster.

This appearance will add to a resume already full of international experience: 4 World Championships, 2 World Juniors and 2 U18s. On top of his recent career best season, this is another reason Sweden leaving Backlund off the initial roster was surprising. 

Anyways, good luck Mikkis!