Toronto Maple Leafs Consider Trade for Mikael Backlund
The Toronto Maple Leafs have yet to bolster their forward lineup, but a proposed trade might change that.
Using a new tool from PuckPedia called PuckGM, a user suggested a deal that would send Mikael Backlund from the Calgary Flames to the Maple Leafs in a multi-player exchange.
Maple Leafs would receive:
- Mikael Backlund
Flames would receive:
- Timothy Liljegren
- David Kampf
- Second-round pick in 2025
This trade proposal makes sense as it provides the Maple Leafs with a seasoned forward to strengthen their middle-six while allowing them to part ways with Liljegren, who seems to lack a clear role in Toronto, and Kampf, who has been identified as a potential trade candidate.
Backlund, the Flames’ captain and a veteran of their roster, has played his entire NHL career in Calgary. The 35-year-old is entering the first year of a two-year, $ 9 million contract. He could serve as Toronto’s third-line center and enhance their scoring depth.
Last season, Backlund played 82 games, tallying 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points. Over his NHL career, he has appeared in 990 games, accumulating 200 goals and 331 assists for a total of 531 points.
For the Flames, a significant part of the return is the second-round pick and Liljegren, a former first-round selection. Liljegren recently signed a two-year, $ 6 million extension with the Maple Leafs but has struggled to establish himself as a regular defenseman in the NHL.
In the previous season, Liljegren played 55 games, recording 3 goals and 20 assists for 23 points.
Backlund Appointed Flames Captain Ahead of 2023 Season
As the 2023-24 NHL season approaches, Mikael Backlund has signed a two-year contract extension, coinciding with his appointment as the captain of the Calgary Flames.
“It feels surreal. I’m incredibly proud,” Backlund expressed. “I don’t think it fully hit me yet. There’s been a lot of discussion about it, but it’s such an exciting time. I’m honored to wear the ‘C’ and it’s hard to fully grasp. I think it will take a few days, maybe even wearing it in a game, for it to sink in. This is a special moment for me and my family, and I feel very proud and honored to take on this role. Being captain in a Canadian city is truly special, and I’m thrilled to be here and remain with the team.”
Backlund has been a key player for the Flames throughout his entire NHL career.
“Mikael Backlund is our captain,” stated Flames general manager Craig Conroy. “He has been leading us for quite some time. Today, we’re excited to extend his contract for another two seasons and officially add the captaincy to his jersey. We look forward to his ongoing leadership on the ice, in the locker room, and within our community.”
The Flames will kick off their 2024-25 NHL season on the road against the Vancouver Canucks on October 9.
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