Flames captain confirms a trade is going to happen.

It isn't very often that we have a player that is actively playing in the National Hockey League breaking news about a trade, but that is exactly what Calgary Flames forward Mikael Backlund did this week during the NHL's European media tour.

Backlund, who now serves as captain of the Flames, was speaking to members of the media when he was asked about the rumors surrounding teammate Rasmus Anderson. Anderson, a defenseman, has been linked to trade rumors for some time now but we can safely say it is no longer merely a rumor.

It seems everyone, including the players in the Flames locker room, are fully aware of the fact that Anderson will not be wearing a Flames crest on his jersey for very much longer.

"Yeah, he’s getting traded," said Backlund as per The Athletic. "It’s obvious."

In spite of the obvious challenges of having a teammate that won't be a part of the team for much longer, Backlund made it clear that there are no hard feelings and even added that Anderson is trying to do things the right way under what are difficult circumstances.

"I talked to him, too, and he doesn’t want to be a distraction," added Backlund. "So it’s all good. It’s too bad it’s come to this. I don’t think that they’re close to getting an agreement or anything, but you never know. Things could change. We’ll see."

It doesn't sound like Backlund is at all concerned with the kind of season the Flames might get out of a departing Anderson this year either. Backlund believes that it will be in the best interest of both team and player for Anderson to have an excellent season this time around.

"But the team wants value," said Backlund stating the obvious. "He wants a big contract. So he wants to play well. The team needs him to play well. So, just go out and play."

This is one trade I will be keeping an eye and given Backlund's comments on the matter it seems that everyone in Calgary should be keeping their eyes peeled for an announcement as well.