It wouldn’t be another 32 Thoughts Podcast day without some juicy Calgary Flames news.
On the most recent episode, Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek took time to discuss Mikael Backlund’s contract situation as well as Oliver Kylington’s absence at the start of camp. Two very different developments, with Backlund’s contract situation taking up most of the time.
Backlund wants to stay
For the longest period of time, we have heard nothing is close or that talks haven’t happened between the Flames and Backlund. On Friday’s podcast, Elliotte Friedman begged to differ:
“I think they are talking. Look, I don’t want to make predictions here because negotiations are a grind. Calgary is trying to get its best deal, Backlund is going to get the best deal…it just takes time to get there. I am under the impression they are talking and I do believe Backlund has indicated he is willing to stay.
“I think the other thing here too is it would not surprise me in the least bit if the Flames are saying you get this done, you are our C. I don’t know if they are doing that, but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least bit. It makes sense.
“I think the players believe that Backlund is the true captain of the team and I’m sure the organization is not blind to it. But he’s come back, remember how he felt at the end of last year? He’s come back, he’s in a much better mood. He’s very important to them on and off the ice. You know that King Clancy trophy he won last year for his community… I think that was a big thing to remind everybody, this has been an excellent marriage. The marriage between Mikael Backlund has been good for the organization, good for Mikael Backlund, his family ,and the community of Calgary. Everybody is after a summer of deep break, everyone has reconnected. I do believe they are talking. I think there is a legitimate chance… I don’t think it’s imminent, you have to find a sweet spot that makes sense for both player and team, but I think there is something here to keep an eye on when it comes to Backlund. I think he now wants to stay and I think the Flames want it to happen.
“Now we just have to get from point A to point B.”
– Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts the Podcast
That is huge if you are a Mikael Backlund fan—and how could you not be?
Being back in the city for the start of camp perhaps spurred the nostalgia in Backlund to want to remain with the Flames. It also makes a ton of sense they haven’t announced a captain, because clearly, everyone involved wants Backlund to be the captain of the franchise. He just needs a new deal.
If that is discussed during contract negotiations, then how appealing would that be for Backlund? He could stay with the franchise he loves, play 1000 games with the same NHL team, and wear the “C” on his chest.
Let’s hope out of all the pending UFAs this one gets done sooner.
Update on Oliver Kylington
As it’s been reported, Kylington will not be participating at the start of the Flames training camp. Friedman was careful to dive deeper into the topic, but provided some clarity on the franchise’s approach:
“Well I think everybody roots the best for Kylington who missed last year cause he needed time, and I think people are just hopeful here that… everyone is hoping that it’s just an adjustment to get back in. I think people are just rooting for him, and I think they are going to be patient. I think everybody wants him to succeed so I think they are going to do what they can to put him in a position to succeed and everyone is rooting for him.”
– Elliotte Friedman, 32 Thoughts the Podcast
I think it’s safe to say that everyone involved with the Flames, the fans, and the NHL are wishing Kylington nothing but the best.
