Coach Bob Hartley said Friday that Backlund (abdomen) is "very close" to returning to the lineup, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet.ca reports. Backlund's activation from IR isn't expected to occur over the weekend, but if he can get in a few practices with the team over the next couple of days, his return could come at some point next week. The forward has been out for the last two months after undergoing abdominal surgery.