Wednesday afternoon the Calgary Flames announced the signing of Mikael Backlund to a two-year extension worth $1.5 million per season.

Here are some thoughts on that as well as some other Flames related topics:

- I really like the terms of the Backlund extension. Jay Feaster did a great job in these negotiations keeping the price tag nice and low. I was also impressed that Feaster was able to get him signed for two-years at just $1.5 million rather than giving him a one-year 'prove it' contract.

Backlund was the Flames' best puck possession last season and was one of two players, TJ Brodie being the other, who were able to post 50%+ possession numbers.

What makes it even more impressive is that of Backlund's 400+ 5 vs. 5 minutes, not one Flames forward played more than 170 of the minutes with him, meaning he was constantly playing with different linemates. To be able to carry the line and drive possession with unfamiliar bodies night-in, night-out is impressive.

His totals of eight goals and 16 points in 32 games were pretty good, as well. With more ice time and hopefully more consistent linemates this season, Backlund should continue to improve and take big steps into developing into a legitimate top-6 centerman.

- Feaster told me all along that Backlund was the biggest priority for the Flames to get re-signed because of his arbitration rights. With him signed and out of the way, Feaster will turn his attention to Brodie.

I expect an extension will be reached in short order.

- It was also announced Wednesday afternoon that Flames prospect Mark Jankowski was invited to Team Canada's World Junior camp. Obviously it remains to be seen whether he's on the team when the World Junior's roll around, but the fact he was given an invite means he's definitely on the radar.

For all the heat Feaster took for making this selection, Jankowski is actually developing into a nice prospect. There's still a ways to go before he makes the NHL, but he's coming along nicely.

- Jankowski will join fellow Flames prospects Sean Monahan and Emile Poirier, who also received invites to Team Canada's World Junior camp.

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I examine how Jay Feaster and the Flames fared in this year's draft.

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