There is no definitive timetable for development, no right or wrong when projecting professional growth. Backlund is the perfect example.
Selected by the Calgary Flames in the first round (No. 24) of the 2007 NHL Draft, Backlund endured multiple stops and starts due to injury (broken finger, shoulder separation, abdominal pull) that slowed his progress.
There is no definitive timetable for development, no right or wrong when projecting professional growth. Backlund is the perfect example.
Selected by the Calgary Flames in the first round (No. 24) of the 2007 NHL Draft, Backlund endured multiple stops and starts due to injury (broken finger, shoulder separation, abdominal pull) that slowed his progress.
However, as it is often said, the best moves are sometimes the ones an organization doesn't make.
The Flames stuck by the Vasteras, Sweden, native through the setbacks that caused him to miss significant time in two of his first three seasons. Calgary signed Backlund to a two-year contract in July of 2013.
The 2013-14 season was a turning point; he played 76 games and finished with 18 goals and 39 points.
Backlund was limited to 52 games in 2014-15 due to an abdominal muscle pull, but bounced back the following season to play in all 82 games for the first time.
After the season, the Flames signed Backlund to a multiyear contract.
NOTES & TRANSACTIONS
- Signed as a free agent by Vasteras (Sweden-2), October 4, 2012.
