Flames Sign 2007 First Round Pick Mikael Backlund

[Thrillhouse]

Calgary, AB – Calgary Flames General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today the signing of Calgary’s first round draft choice from the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Mikael Backlund.

“Mikael is one of the best 18-year old centers in the world and we are pleased that we have been able to retain him under contract,” said Sutter. “He demonstrated at the World Junior Championships that he is in an elite class. I look forward to getting him here for Development Camp in July and Main Camp in the fall. Having both Mikael and John Negrin from last year’s draft signed, bodes well for us.”

Backlund, a 6’0”, 194lbs centre, led Vasteras in scoring during the 2008 playoffs with four goals and three assists in five games. At last year’s World Junior Championships, he notched three goals and added four assists, helping the Swedish team earn a silver medal.

[Snipes19]

Good job by Calgary to sign this kid. He has a lot of talent and should be a good player for them. Hopefully they can get him up in the NHL in the near future, because he could add a lot to their team - especially since they might be losing some guys like Tanguay, Huselius, and/or Langkow this offseason...

[canuckfan]

This bodes well for Flames fans - they want a younger team for next season, and getting Backlund under contract is a good step towards that. I'm not sure if he can step into the NHL lineup right away - I understand that aside from the World Juniors, he had a pretty bad season, don't believe all of Sutters kool-aid he tries to sell to the masses here - but if he can step up and fill in for tired old retreads like Yelle and Conroy, then that could make a lot of people happy.