Two of the bigger questions facing the Calgary Flames were answered Wednesday when they signed center Mikael Backlund to a two-year extension while also naming him their captain.

Re-signing Backlund, 34, to a two-year deal worth $4.5 million annually resolved one of the most prominent issues facing the team entering training camp.

"This is a very special day for my family and I," said Backlund, the 24th overall pick in the 2007 NHL draft.