Here is the official release from the Flames:
General Manager Darryl Sutter announced today that forward Mikael Backlund has been assigned to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.
Backlund played one game with the Calgary Flames after joining the club at the conclusion of winning a silver medal with Team Sweden at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Rockets were do for some good news. Losing Luke Schenn this fall to the Leafs as an 18 year-old was a huge kick to the stomach for this franchise. The loss of Schenn came after the Rockets lost two quality defenseman two seasons ago when both Alex Edler and Kyle Cumiskey failed to return for their 20 year-old seasons. The end result had the Rockets missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. But it hasn't been all doom and gloom in Rocketville. Just look at signing Shane McColgan to a players contract, or how about persuading Duncan Keith or Chuck Kobasew to leave U.S College hockey for a quicker path to the NHL by playing for the Rockets? Even listing Jamie Benn a few years back was an astute move by the Rockets, and then persuading him to join the team last season as an 18 year-old rookie. If things come in 3's, then the Rockets were do for some positive results after losing three quality players in Schenn, Edler and Cumiskey prematurely to pro hockey. Now with McColgan and Backlund as a sign of the tide turning in the Rockets favour, could the signing of prospect Luke Moffatt complete the cycle?.
13 comments:
So what happens to L Matejka.... he had a good game last night.
Can a WHL Team keep a Euro affiliated on the 50 Man PPL? I would love to see Matejka back next year!!!
Like Backlund, they could put Matejka on the 50 man roster if they wished. Look for more details Monday on Matejka's future.
Regan, sounds like are you hinting that Moffat may play here next yr? What's the latest re Moffat?
Why would he play here as a fourth line guy? Euro's need to be top six or they should stay put. Canadian kids can fill that spot...Backlund is top six. He is worth it....
Watch out, Vancouver.
We're coming up.
Does this mean I can look forward to seeing Backlund on Friday and Saturday when the Rockets are in PG?
He should play Wednesday at home meaning his first WHL road game will be up in 'Cougar Country'.
Heard Moffat is not ecstatic about NTDP; which means he isn't getting enough power-play time, and certainly not enough points. He may be ripe for the WHL, but NTDP now has a $50,000 early exit fee, so unless they want to pay the piper, he is stuck until the summer of 2010. Due please.
Thats only 12 50/50 draws. It could be 6 but we wouldn't want to deprive minor hockey. We'll just ask Hamilton for a season ticket discount to help offset the cost.
Is it just me or does Blacklung look like beelzebub in that Flames promo photo?
regan.....the rockets said he would skate today...(monday) and play against the ams.
however the announcment is "vauge"
there was a tremendous amount of paperwork that had to be done before michael was able to play here.....does this mean, that every thing has cleared? or that some paperwork has cleared and they are waiting to "finalize things"?
All the paperwork is finished. Backlund practiced today, and will play Wednesday.
Sit back and enjoy.
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