Backlund in Calgary

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r Mikael Backlund has plenty to improve upon to become a bona fide NHLer.
r The touted Calgary Flames prospect has to develop his offensive skills and improve defensively, among raising other aspects of his game.
r He knows it, too.
r However, Backlund is developing another part of his puck sense in anticipation of a move to the North American pro ranks. On top of spending the off-season with a personal trainer — he arrived at camp at 198 lb., down about 10 lb. from where he was at one point — Backlund has been working with a sports psychologist to improve his game between the ears.
r "Things I need to improve and staying positive," said Backlund, when asked about the decision to see a sports psychologist. "When I came to Kelowna, I started to really pick up the mental stuff and started to read a mental toughness book. It's something I needed to improve on."
r Backlund has been pouring through Hockey Tough by Saul Miller. He realized he needed to become mentally stronger after last season.
r After enjoying his first NHL training camp in Calgary, he returned home to Sweden with high hopes of being a front-line player for Vasteras.
r Instead, he was placed in a support role and went through a downward cycle. He coped poorly with the disappointment, and it reflected in his play.
r After the World Junior tournament, Backlund joined the WHL's Kelowna Rockets, and the taste of playing full-time on this side of the Atlantic Ocean — his run with the Rockets included a league title and trip to the Memorial Cup — opened his eyes.
r "You have to be really strong mentally to play at this level. It's a lot of games. I can't have ups-and-downs like I have past years," said the 20-year-old, who was the Flames' first-round pick (24th overall) in 2007.
r "It's a lot mentally, and it's what I've been working on — to be consistent. To prepare every game, it's all mental, and it's something I had to improve."
r It's likely Backlund, who skated on a line yesterday with star forwards Jarome Iginla and Olli Jokinen, will start the season in Abbotsford, but the possibility exists he'll be on the Flames roster.
r "It's up to me to play at a top level, and then it's the coach's decision," Backlund said. "But I feel I have a good chance to be here."

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