Backlund of Flames wins King Clancy Trophy

NASHVILLE --Mikael Backlund of the Calgary Flames won the King Clancy Trophy, presented annually to the NHL player or players who best exemplify leadership qualities on and off the ice and have made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in their community, at the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena on Monday.

"It feels special," Backlund said. "It's also just great how it brings more attention to my organization that I support. It's a great time to raise awareness for them. I'm just excited to win this award for the Calgary Flames and for the city of Calgary and for me and my family. It's very special."

The 34-year-old center has supported the ALS Society of Alberta in honor of his mother-in-law, who died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. It's also called Lou Gehrig's disease. Flames assistant general manager Chris Snow has been living with ALS for the past four years. Backlund and his wife have raised more than $400,000 for the nonprofit and have welcomed almost 100 families affected by ALS to home games.

"It's not just me, it's (my wife) Frida as well," Backlund said. "It was her idea coming up with the ALS initiative we were doing with families coming to games. It was all her idea and I said I wanted to do something, but she came up with the idea, and it's been a great program we've been running. Whatever I do, she's always there to support me."

Backlund, the longest-tenured player on the Flames (15 seasons), also supports The Kids Cancer Care and Special Olympics Calgary. He had a childhood friend diagnosed with cancer and another who was born with Down syndrome. He has invited 500 guests to attend Flames games and meet with him afterward. Backlund and his wife partnered with Parachutes for Pets to create Lily's Legacy, named for their dog who died in 2021. The program allows children in foster care to keep their pets while they are transitioning into care.

He is the first Flames player to win the award since Jarome Iginla in 2003-04.

RELATED: [King Clancy Trophy winners]

Before receiving the award, Backlund was shown a video with messages from those whose lives he has impacted.

"It makes me feel special touching so many lives," Backlund said. "I feel a little good about myself and I'm happy to be that person in Calgary."

Chosen by a committee of senior NHL executives led by Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, Backlund will receive a $25,000 donation from the National Hockey League Foundation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse and New York Islanders forward Anders Lee, the two runners-up, each will get a $5,000 donation.

List of Winners, Voting Results at 2023 NHL Awards

NHL.com staff writer Anna Kulesa contributed to this report