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It’s the type of distraction most men dream of.

Mikael Backlund doesn’t see it that way.

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Contrary to his wishes, negotiations between his agent and the Calgary Flames for a new contract are heating up.

While many would see that as good news, Backlund cringes despite knowing he’s likely in line for somewhere in the neighbourhood of a six-year, US$30-million payday sometime before July 1.

If not, he’ll likely get even more elsewhere.

Yet the pending unrestricted free agent isn’t thrilled with the timing and uncertainty involved.

“It’s not what I wanted, but it is what it is,” Backlund told Postmedia.

“I wish I didn’t have to deal with it during the season, but it’s part of business and we’re professionals and have to deal with it. Both sides want the best, so we’ll see what happens.

“I was pushing for (a new contract) in the summer and talking to my agent (J.P. Barry) then, but things got a little crazy with everything that was going on before the season started. All the (Jaromir) Jagr situation and, ‘who is going to stay and who is going to go,’ and all that — I know Tre (Flames GM Brad Treliving) was busy. It was a busy time.”