Tue 12/30/14 3:51 PM

Backlund (abdomen) remains without a timetable for his return, NHL.com's Aaron Vickers reports. Coach Bob Hartley acknowledged that while he doesn't believe Backlund is far off a return, he wouldn't speculate when the forward might be ready to go. Given how much ambiguity exists with this situation, it's probably best to avoid picking up Backlund on speculation until a clearer return date exists.