Mikael Backlund (broken finger) was cleared to play and will start on Friday on the top line between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. This was the role that was proclaimed for him in the off-season and the Flames would love it if he could fill the spot. Backlund suffered the broken finger in training camp and Friday will mark his season debut. Get him in your lineup in deeper leagues and if he is on the waiver wire, grab him quickly in all but shallow leagues. He will be officially taken off the injured reserve list when Niklas Hagman passes through waivers at noon ET Friday.