Mikael Backlund was one of the regulars for the Calgary Flames this season. When you watch him play, you don’t see the big highlights, but you see the little things. He makes the plays that actually make a team work.
If he didn’t get the Olympic call-up for Sweden, you’d expect him to be down. And he was a little disappointed, there’s no doubt about it. But he wasn’t crushed. That’s not Backlund. Instead, he focused on what he can actually do: play hard, stay sharp and help his Flames team in any way he can. And that’s enough for him.
He dreamed of the Olympics like all hockey players would. Like him noted in a recent interview”I had hoped for it, but I never expected it,” he says. And you can tell he really means it. The Swedish team is packed with talent; every place is a battle.
Still, Backlund is playing his best hockey since becoming captain. Every shift, every match, even the dirty weird stuff, is his chance to show that he is one of the top players.
Backlund was excited when he got the call from Team Sweden
What’s interesting is how he looks at this. There is pride in participating in the conversation. Backlund got a call before Christmas saying he was eligible, and he keeps coming back.
“Not everyone got that call,” he said. That’s a reminder of his perspective. Some players can have a season like this and barely be noticed. Backlund doesn’t lose sleep over what didn’t happen.
Instead, he focuses on the positives. He was part of the Flames’ massive turnaround. He helps Calgary in ways that don’t always show up on the scoresheet, while still calmly taking charge and staying ready for the next big moment. Yet he leads calmly and remains prepared for the next big moment. He calls missing the Olympics ‘disappointing and frustrating’, but he is also realistic. The big tournaments come and go, but a season where you lead, contribute and play solid hockey is something you have control over.
For the Flames’ Backlund, getting noticed by his home country is enough
For Backlund, it’s enough that he was in the mix. He is proud of his season, proud to be considered and determined to continue building for his Flames. The Olympics are still waiting, but the grind of a season, the small victories, the way he helps his team – that’s what he measures himself by. And in hockey that is worth more than any medal.
Related: Why Philip Broberg making Team Sweden isn’t “salt in the wound” for Oilers fans
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