"Yes, I'm going to play in the World Championship," was his straightforward message to Expressen.
The 36-year-old has not played for the Tre Kronor since the 2018 edition of the World Championship, at which, he captained the side to their most recent gold medal in any major competition.
With the Flames missing out on a place in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs on goal difference, Backlund and his teammate Rasmus Andersson can now attempt to win what would be a 12th world title for Sweden, and only a second on home ice.
Running from May 9th-25th, the 2025 edition is taking place at Stockholm's Avicii Arena and the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning, Denmark.
"I'm going straight to the World Championships from here in Calgary," Backlund continued, stressing that he needs time to recover before national team duty, "I need to land in the season that was first - be 100 percent both mentally and physically."
He also stressed that he needs some family time before heading to Stockholm, "My daughter's birthday is at the beginning of May, so I want to be here in Calgary then."
A National Hockey League (NHL) veteran, he passed the 1000-games mark with 72 appearances this season, so it is little wonder he needs to refresh after the campaign the Flames have just had. No team had ever earned 96 points and not made the Playoffs.
Sweden fans will be hoping Backlund is raring to go again when Sweden begin their campaign against Slovakia, with tough tests against Canada and Finland among others to come in Group A.
Get ready for the 2025 IIHF World Championship on Flashscore.