Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund is confirmed to participate in this year`s IIHF World Championship. The Flames organization announced on Tuesday that Backlund will represent Team Sweden at the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on May 9th and will be held on home ice in Stockholm.
Backlund recently concluded the 2024-25 NHL season with the Flames, having played in 76 games and recorded 15 goals and 32 points.
The 36-year-old forward`s last appearance for Sweden at the World Championships was in 2018, where he served as team captain and helped lead his country to a gold medal. During that successful run, he registered 2 goals and 9 points over 10 games.
Cumulatively, Backlund has 45 games of experience representing Sweden`s senior national team throughout his career.
Several other Flames teammates are also expected to join their respective national teams for the tournament in Stockholm: MacKenzie Weegar will play for Canada, Rasmus Andersson for Sweden, Matt Coronato for the United States, and Dan Vladar for Czechia. Additionally, rookie defenceman Zayne Parekh is anticipated to join Team Canada for pre-tournament games.
Tristan Blackwood