In the eyes of Calgary Flames fans, captain Mikael Backlund is having a season deserving of an Olympic showing.
Proving that age is just a number, the 36-year-old has been the Flames’ most consistent forward this season with 12 goals and 32 points through 52 games. He’s on pace to reach the 50-point mark for the third time in his career, all while continuing to be used in a shutdown role.
Backlund, who was left off Sweden’s 4 Nations roster, elected to play for his home country at the World Championship. Hoping to put his name into the fold for the Olympic roster, he wound up scoring three goals and nine points in nine games.
Unfortunately, his strong performance this season, as well as at the Worlds, wasn’t enough, as Backlund was noticeably absent when Sweden named their Olympic roster earlier this month. While disappointing, Flames fans assumed that he would be the first to get the call should any players named suffer an injury.
As it turns out, an injury has happened, as Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson will miss the Olympics due to a thigh injury. Instead of Backlund getting the call, however, it will be Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Johansson replacing Carlsson.
The Swedish 🇸🇪 Olympic team has added forward Marcus Johansson and defenseman Hampus Lindholm to their Milan roster as injury replacements for Leo Carlsson and Jonas Brodin
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 27, 2026
Given his age, this figured to be Backlund’s final crack at playing in the Olympics, which he has yet to do in his career. As you would imagine, Flames fans aren’t too pleased to see him snubbed yet again.
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“Ya let’s replace a center with a winger and leave a shutdown center back in NA who is having arguably a career year,” another Flames fan chimed in. “Must be a rebuilding year for the Swedish Olympic Team.”
Though Backlund’s chances to suit up at the 2026 Olympics are low, it is possible that he gets the call. There are still plenty of games between now and the scheduled break beginning on Feb. 6. Should another Swedish forward suffer an injury, one has to assume Backlund would be the next man up.
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