Mikael Backlund set to skate in 1,000th NHL game [Video]

Calgary Flames captain Mikael Backlund will celebrate a significant milestone this week, playing in his 1,000th National Hockey League (NHL) game.

Backlund and the Flames will suit up against the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

The Flames said they will celebrate the milestone at the Saddledome when the team is back in Calgary on Friday, facing off against the New Jersey Devils.

A product of Vasteras, Sweden, the 35-year-old centre has been a member of the Calgary Flames organization for nearly two decades.The Flames named Backlund their captain in 2023.

Originally selected by the Flames 24th overall in the 2007 NHL draft, Backlund has since amassed 202 goals and 334 assists for 536 points through his 999 career games – all with the Flames.

Mikael Backlund, centre, of Vasteras, Sweden, poses with the team representatives after being selected by the Calgary Flames during the …