Flames Backlund: Frustrated Not to Make Team Sweden

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund has expressed his disappointment at not being selected for Team Sweden's roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. Despite a strong start to the season, the veteran center was informed shortly before Christmas that he would not be included in the team.

"It would have been a dream to go to the Olympics, and that's why I was hoping for it," Backlund said. "But I never expected it because I know how good a team Sweden has, and there are so many good players, but it's disappointing and frustrating. I felt like I played really well this year".

Backlund, a stalwart two-way player for the Flames, has been a consistent presence in the NHL for over a decade. His omission from the Swedish roster has raised eyebrows among many, especially considering his strong play this season. "I feel like I played really well this fall and playing against the best players in the world every night, I showed that I can do a good job against them,” Backlund said.

Flames head coach Ryan Huska voiced his support for Backlund, stating, "I think they made a mistake. I believe in Mikael. He's a guy we use in all situations against top players and is having one of his best years as a pro". Huska further emphasized Backlund's leadership qualities and overall contribution to the team, saying, "He brings so much more to the table than he just does on the ice. I feel for him, it would have been a wonderful opportunity for him".

Despite the disappointment, Backlund has agreed to be on Sweden's reserve list, in case of injuries. However, he acknowledged that no athlete wants to be in a position where they are waiting for another player to get injured to get a chance.

Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who was named to the Swedish team, shared his sympathy for his teammate. "As a friend, I'm really sad for him," Andersson said. "I know how much it would mean for him to go. You look at the hockey side, and this is the best he's played in a long time, if not the best he's ever played. I would have loved to see him on the team".

Sweden is considered a strong contender for a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with a roster that includes star players such as Rasmus Dahlin, Erik Karlsson, Victor Hedman, William Nylander, and Elias Pettersson. The team is aiming for its first gold medal since 2006. Sweden will compete in Group B against Finland, Slovakia, and host nation Italy.

The Swedish Olympic team includes goaltenders Filip Gustavsson, Jacob Markström, and Jesper Wallstedt. The defensemen are Rasmus Andersson, Philip Broberg, Jonas Brodin, Rasmus Dahlin, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Gustav Forsling, Victor Hedman, and Erik Karlsson. The forwards selected are Jesper Bratt, Leo Carlsson, Joel Eriksson Ek, Filip Forsberg, Pontus Holmberg, Adrian Kempe, Gabriel Landeskog, Elias Lindholm, William Nylander, Elias Pettersson, Rickard Rakell, Lucas Raymond, Alexander Wennberg, and Mika Zibanejad.

While Backlund will not be joining his countrymen in Milan, he remains focused on his role as captain of the Calgary Flames and contributing to their success.