Flames Forward Comments on Expected Changes in Calgary

The Calgary Flames are an absolute mess and general manager Craig Conroy is responsible for cleaning it up. While there's already been trade winds swirling around Noah Hanifin, Tyler Toffoli and Elias Lindholm, Flames forward Mikael Backlund becomes the first player to speak out on what to expect from the organization.

Changes are coming, there's no doubt about that. Backlund is currently in Nashville at the NHL Awards and caught up with Sportsnet's Luke Fox and had this to say about the future of the franchise:

It’s hard. You know, those are great guys, first and foremost. Great people off the ice and great teammates, but also really good players. But it’s part of the business. There's always trades that happen during the offseason and things change up — and last year was a big changeup. This year again, maybe for Calgary. So, we'll see what happens. But, yeah, there's gonna be some changes. Uh… it’s more about, like, how I feel myself. And of course, you know, if all those guys leave and Lindy [does too], it would affect me a little bit. But I've been in Calgary so long that that’s not the main focus for me. I have that connection to Calgary and the passion for Calgary, and that is more like me personally, what my thoughts are.

Conroy could give Backlund the 'C' and try his best to lure him to stay, even if the likes of Hanifin, Lindholm and Toffoli get traded this summer.

Last season Backlund finished with 56 points in 82 games and has one season left on his contract, paying him $5.3 million against the cap. He holds trade protection from 10 teams and has yet to be asked to waive his no-trade or provide a list of approved teams.

The native of Vasteras, Sweden turns 35 at the end of next season and was originally selected 24th overall by the Flames back in 2007. 

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports