The RFA list has been whittled down to one now that Mikael Backlund has been inked by the team. Backlund’s deal is for one year at just $725,000, but is a one-way contract.

There is no way the Flames can lose on that ticket, which is even less than Derek Smith or TJ Brodie will make next season. Even if Backlund continue to fire blanks, he’s an above replacement level player in many other areas and just 23 years old. There’s nothing but upside to his contract.

Which isn’t to say Backlund has been taken off the trade block. The team may still decide to deal Backs and his now very cheap cap hit would make him enticing to potential trade partners. Here’s hoping the club decides to leverage the deal themselves, however.

Up next – Leland Irving.