Coach Bob Hartley confirmed that Backlund (abdominal surgery) would be activated from IR and play Wednesday against the Red Wings, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet.ca reports. After Backlund logged a full practice in the morning, Hartley and the team's medical staff gave the forward the green light to return to action for the first time since Oct. 28. He's expected to center the Flames' third line, with Mason Raymond and Paul Byron flanking him on the wings.