Mikael Backlund signed a two-year, $9-million extension with the Calgary Flames and was named captain, the team announced Wednesday.

Backlund would have become an unrestricted free agent next summer without an extension.

The 34-year-old center from Sweden posted a career year in 2022-23 with 56 points (19 goals, 37 assists) in 82 games.

Backlund has played his entire 908-game NHL career with Calgary and is the longest-tenured skater on the Flames. He made his debut on Jan. 8, 2009.

During that time he played under two longtime influential captains in Jarome Iginla and Mark Giordano. He said their leadership style left an impression.