While Flames center Mikael Backlund recently commented on the future of one of his teammates with the organization, he also discussed his own. Speaking with The Athletic’s Michael Russo ( subscription link ), the 36-year-old indicated that he is hoping to sign a contract extension to continue with Calgary. The Flames have been the only NHL organization that Backlund has known after they drafted him in the first round back in 2007. Last season, Backlund played in 76 games, picking up 15 goals and 17 assists in a little under 19 minutes a night of playing time. He’s entering the final year of his contract that carries a $4.5MM cap charge and notably, his trade protection drops to a 15-team no-trade list in January.

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