Matt Stajan's Loss is Mikael Backlund's Gain

Filed under: Flames

CALGARY, Alberta -- If Mikael Backlund is feeling the pressure of having to prove himself to the Calgary Flames brass, you'd never know it.

The youngster is all smiles as he takes some time after a pre-season skate to explain just what he's hoping to accomplish this season with the NHL club.

"I guess I've got some speed and pretty good hockey sense that I hope can help bring some wins,'' he noted, describing the qualities he hopes to share. "Just bring some young energy here in the locker room and on the ice.''

The 21-year-old from Vasteras, Sweden, is being touted as the one drop of new blood who can make a difference on this team, a squad that is painfully thin on bona fide prospects. He was Calgary's first-round pick, 24th overall, in the 2007 entry draft and has been slowly groomed to assume a steady and contributive role for the offence-challenged Flames.

But with No. 2 centre Matt Stajan out indefinitely with a separated shoulder, Backlund will be handed an even larger role. He's currently being penciled in to fill Stajan's role as the Flames second-line pivot.

"Of course, you get more of a chance,'' he pointed out. "But I'll just go out and play like I have this camp. Just play my game, work hard and if I do, I think I'll have a good chance to stay around this team and help them win some games.''

Last season, the six-foot, 200-pounder spent most of his time in Abbotsford with the AHL's Heat, where in 54 games he scored 15 goals and added 17 assists. He was called up for 23 games with the big club, collecting a single goal and nine helpers.

His versatility will be put to good use by head coach Brent Sutter.

 

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