Flames sign forward Backlund to multiyear contract

Center Mikael Backlund signed a multiyear contract with the Calgary Flames, the Flames announced Saturday.

Terms were not disclosed, but TSN reported it is for three years and $10.725 million.

"I just wanted to get a good deal for a few years in Calgary," Backlund said in comments tweeted by the Calgary Sun.

Selected 24th in the 2007 NHL Draft, Backlund set career highs last season with 18 goals and 39 points. He had 10 goals and 27 points in 52 games this season after missing 30 games because of an abdominal injury that required surgery, and had a goal and two points in 11 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Backlund, 26, is third on the Flames with 28 goals and sixth with 66 points the past two seasons.

"I honestly feel he's coming into his own. The last year or two, he's defined who he is as a NHL player," Flames general manager Brad Treliving said, according to the Sun.