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Player's Profile

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  • Name: Mikael Backlund
  • Position: C
  • Shoots: Left
  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 192 lbs
  • Birthdate: 1989-03-17
  • Eligible for Draft: 2007
  • Drafted: 2007
  • Hometown: Vasteras, Sweden
  • Acquired: 1st round (#24 overall), 2007
  • Playing In: Europe

Mikael Backlund

Prospect Grade: 8.0 C  (About Prospect Grades)

History

2005-06: The hockey world began to take notice of Backlund after he lead his youth hockey league (TV-Pucken) in goals and total points. He didn’t stop there as he scored the most points (31) by a player under 17 playing in the Swedish Superelite U-20 league. That same year, Flames fans caught a glimpse of Backlund’s skill, after he was named the Mac’s Tournament MVP. 
2006-07: Spent the year playing for his home town Vasteras, suiting up for Vasteras U-18, U-20, and Vasteras Div. II respectively. He tallied 3 pts in 18 games for the latter. The playmaking center also played for Sweden at the 2007 U-18 World Junior Hockey championships, where he would win a bronze medal and was the tournament’s top goal scorer. His development took a slight hit after suffering a knee injury that limited his playing time. Despite the injury, Calgary selected Backlund 24th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to the draft he was rated the No. 2 European Skater by CSS.

2007-08:So far this year, Backlund has split time between the Vasteras U-20 (9GP, 7G, 6A, 13 pts) and Vasteras Div. II (37 GP, 9G, 4A, 13 pts). Earlier this year he led Team Sweden to a silver medal at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in Pardubice, Czech Rep., where he tallied seven points in six games.


Talent Analysis

The speedy center is a premier play maker. He has incredibly soft hands, especially in tight with the goal. He often makes passes that only an elite few can accomplish. His strong shot makes him a one-shot scoring threat every time he laces them up. His defensive play makes him a very complete player.

Future

Backlund was selected by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2007 CHL import draft and could suit up for the team next year if he does not stick with the Flames out of next season's training camp.

Stats

Stats Coming Soon...

Profile Last Updated: September, 13th 2008

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