Calgary Flames add 2007 first-round pick Backlund to roster

CALGARY - Mikael Backlund figured he had two choices for the remainder of the season: play for either the Calgary Flames' AHL affiliate in Quad City, or for the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.

Calgary provided a nice third option, announcing Thursday they have added the 19-year-old forward to the NHL roster.

Backlund joins the Flames following a successful stint at the world junior hockey championship, where he had five goals and two assists in six games while helping lead Sweden to the silver medal.

The six-foot-one, 190-pound centre met with Flames GM Darryl Sutter during Tuesday night's game between Calgary and San Jose. It was then that Backlund learned he would not be returning to Vasteras of the Swedish second division, and would be continuing his career in North America.

Backlund, Calgary's first choice (24th overall) in the 2007 draft, had four goals and four assists in 17 games with Vasteras this season.