Flames keep Backlund as captain, rotate alternates in Huberdeau’s absence
Joel Farabee, Jake Middleton and Ryan Strome will share an alternate role while Jonathan Huberdeau is injured; Zach Whitecloud also retains an A.
Mikael Backlund will captain the Calgary Flames for a fourth consecutive season in 2026-27, the club announced Wednesday. Jonathan Huberdeau and Zach Whitecloud are the alternate captains.
Huberdeau is starting the season on the sidelines following hip resurfacing surgery, Sportsnet reported. During his absence, Calgary will rotate an alternate captaincy role among Joel Farabee, Jake Middleton and Ryan Strome.
Farabee has already served as a Calgary alternate. In a March 23 report, the Flames said he first wore the A in their March 7 game against Carolina and had been wearing it at home.
“We’re fortunate to have a group with a lot of character, experience and leadership,” general manager Craig Conroy said in the announcement. He said Farabee, Middleton and Strome would have a chance to take on more responsibility while Huberdeau is out.
The Flames open their season at the Scotiabank Saddledome against Seattle on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 7 p.m. MT.
