Calgary Flames

Mikael Backlund named finalist for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy

The Calgary Flames season may not have gone well on the ice as we all know, but their impact off the ice remained as successful as ever. After naming Mikael Backlund as their nominee for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy this season, the NHL announced him as one of the three finalists for the award on Wednesday morning:

Backlund is joined by New York Islanders captain Anders Lee and Edmonton Oilers alternate captain Darnell Nurse as this year’s trio of finalists.

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy

The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community. Each team nominates a player, and then a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly have the final selection. 

The committee looks for a number of items when making their final selection which includes:

  • Clear and measurable positive impact on the community
  • Investment of time and resources
  • Commitment to a particular cause or community
  • Commitment to the League’s community initiatives
  • Creativity of programming
  • Use of influence; engagement of others

Backlund’s community contributions

Backlund has been one of the Flames most committed community members the last few seasons. Through his work with the ALS Society of Alberta, Kids Cancer Care, Special Olympics Calgary, and his own partnership with Parachutes for Pets called Lily’s Legacy, Backlund’s commitment to Calgary is non-stop. 

He is by far one of the Flames’ most sincere and genuine ambassadors, in addition to being one of the team’s best players. The club equally feels the same after nominating him for the award where they said the following:

“Mikael Backlund has been a key member of both the Calgary Flames and the City of Calgary since entering the NHL in the 2008–09 season. He has spent his career focusing on initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with ALS, providing opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities and childhood cancer to attend Flames games in a safe space, and keeping children in foster care with their beloved pets.”

Backlund would be an outstanding winner for the award and would join three fellow Flames legend in Lanny McDonald, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Jarome Iginla as Calgary’s only winners of the award.

Congratulations Mikael!


Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire

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