CALGARY — The Calgary Flames are facing significant challenges as captain Mikael Backlund is set to miss time due to an upper-body injury sustained during their recent game against the Vancouver Canucks. Backlund logged just 2:58 minutes of ice time on March 12, 2025, before being forced to exit the game, which ended with a 4-3 shootout loss for the Flames.
The absence of Backlund, who has taken more defensive-zone faceoffs than any other player this season, is considered devastating for the Flames as they are vying for one of the final playoff spots. On March 14, they prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche, sitting tied with the Canucks for the final wild card position in the Western Conference. Head coach Ryan Huska noted, “I use [Backlund] in situations against top players all the time, so I haven't really had to second-guess who's going out there against a MacKinnon for a defensive-zone faceoff. It's been Mikael. ”
Teammates have reacted strongly to the news of Backlund’s injury. “It’s always tough losing your captain,” said fellow centre Kevin Rooney, underscoring how Backlund has been not only a leader on the ice but also within the locker room. “He’s been tremendous for us on the ice and in the locker-room this year.”
Blake Coleman, another key player on the team, expressed confidence: “We have to write our own story. Everybody has to give more. Some guys are going to be put in situations they haven’t been before, but you need to be there for your team.” Coleman’s remarks highlight how the Flames must adapt quickly without their captain's guiding presence.
With Backlund sidelined, Huska is implementing strategic changes for their encounter against the Avalanche. Centering duties will temporarily shift to Yegor Sharangovich, who normally plays the wing, for at least two games. The flames also recalled Dryden Hunt from the AHL's Calgary Wranglers to add depth, as the team already deals with Connor Zary's suspension for two games due to his actions during the game against the Canucks.
This isn't new territory for the Flames—in fact, it recalls memories from the 2014-15 season when former captain Mark Giordano faced a similar fate and was out for the remainder of the season. Back then, they were able to rally together and clinch their playoff berth through sheer determination. Coleman’s thoughts on this were optimistic: “You can use it in your favour. Sometimes, you get this little injection of energy—it changes the dynamic.”
Jonathan Huberdeau, the Flames leading scorer, echoed the sentiment of togetherness. “At the end of the day, you can’t control injuries... but we’re going to play for him and we’re going to get the job done,” he said. Huberdeau’s faith reflects the team ethos as they push through adversity.
While the Flames have struggled to score this season—averaging the lowest goals-per-game rate—Huska emphasized the importance of players stepping up to fill the leadership void left by Backlund. “We’ve got to write our own story,” Coleman said. “It’s been done before and we have to believe we can do it again.”
Backlund, turning 36 next week, has managed to contribute 24 points this season, registering 11 goals and 13 assists. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but it also creates opportunities for other players to take on leadership roles as they look to navigate this tightly contested playoff scenario.
With only 18 games to go and the pressure mounting, the Calgary Flames are at a pivotal moment. They face the Avalanche with no easy path to securing their postseason ambitions, but as Huska pointed out, “Other guys have to raise their level. Other lines and other pairs must step it up, and it's something I believe we will do.” The initiative is on them now, leading with resolve, even if their veteran captain is sidelined, hoping he can return before the season ends.