Rockets Import Prospect Mikael Backlund

[Malc]

Regan's Rant

Is Mikael Backlund a step closer to joining the Kelowna Rockets? The Calgary Flames have just signed the first-rounder to a contract. Backlund was selected with the 24th overall pick of the 2007 NHL entry draft.

It's been suggested that once Backlund signed with the Flames, GM Darryl Sutter would like to see the prospect play a season in North America, likely in the WHL, where the Rockets hold his junior playing rights. Sutter said earlier this season he had no problem with the idea of Backlund remaining in Sweden, yet a few months later said he would like to see Backlund in the WHL.

Warren Henderson in the Capital News spoke to Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton about a month ago about landing Backlund. “I think the Flames intend is to get him over here for a year to ride the buses and play some hockey in North America to get him ready. If he doesn’t make the Flames, I would hope to see him with us. He’s a dynamic player.”

This is what Hamilton told AM 1150 when we spoke last June after the Rockets selected Backlund in the CHL European draft: "It's a flyer. Knowing Darryl (Sutter), I know he wants him to have some North American culture before he's ready to play for their organization, so whether he's here this year or next year, that's why we took the chance on this. I have given up our first round pick in next year's draft to get this pick, so it makes sense if he is here next year. Is it a risk? You bet it's a risk."

If Backlund does play in the WHL, this so called 'risk' will make the Rockets GM look like a genius.

[Malc]

by Regan Bartel - Regan's Rant

Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton says he may make two selections at this summer's CHL European draft. Hamilton isn't confident that he will land Mikael Backlund, after taking the Calgary Flames first round pick in last year's Euro draft. Hamilton also isn't sure if Milan Kytnar fits into the team's plans next season either. Kytnar will be 19. It's uncertain if Kytnar even wants to return to play the role of defensive forward. He sure won't see much power play time with a returning cast that includes an abundance of 19 year-old forwards (Jamie Benn, Cody Almond, Colin Long & Lucas Bloodoff).