Backlund (lower body) is likely to play Thursday, but his appearance in the lineup is not guaranteed, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund is still nursing a lower-body injury from Saturday's preseason finale. He practiced in his usual second-line spot before the Flames traveled to Colorado for the season opener. It's not expected to be a long-term issue for the center. If he's unable to play, Sam Bennett will jump up to the second line in Backlund's stead.

Backlund (lower body) should be ready to go for the Flames' first game Thursday versus the Avalanche, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund exited Saturday's preseason finale early, but it was considered a precautionary removal. The Swedish center should return to his usual second-line role between Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik for Thursday's game against the Avalanche.

Backlund was removed from Saturday's game early for precautionary reasons following a lower-body injury, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Opening Night on tap Thursday, the Flames have little reason to send star players like Backlund back into action if they are nicked up in any way. As a result, his night has come to an end early and owners will eagerly await word on his status. At this point, there's little reason to believe he won't be available.

Backlund (illness) will return to the lineup Tuesday, Kristen Anderson of The Calgary Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund missed Saturday's practice with an illness and didn't play in Sunday's game versus the Jets. The Flames are icing a fairly veteran lineup for Tuesday's rematch with the Jets, and that will include their Swedish two-way center. Backlund has consistently reached 45 points in each of the last four seasons, making him an attractive late-round option for fantasy owners.

Backlund (illness) did not practice Saturday, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund registered an assist and a hit in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Oilers, but he was sick Saturday morning and did not practice. The illness may cost the Swedish center some practices and preseason games, but he should be fine for the start of the regular season.

Backlund will not play at the World Championship in Slovakia, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund and his wife are expecting their first child in May, so Backlund will use the offseason for family time. Backlund ended the postseason with a goal and two assists, all coming on the power play. He had 21 goals and 26 points in the regular season, the fourth straight 45-plus-point campaign for the Swedish center.

Backlund picked up a power-play assist, three shots and four PIM in Monday's 6-2 loss to the Avalanche in Game 3.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund has a goal and two assists in the series, all of which have come with the man advantage. He also has six PIM, which is a little less normal given he had only 52 PIM in 77 contests in the regular season. Backlund and Sam Bennett (four points) have been the Flames' best forwards through three games in this playoff run.

Backlund had a helper on the power play and a minus-3 rating in Saturday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Avalanche in Game 2 of their first-round series.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund had seven shots in Game 1, but was held much more in check by the Avalanche defense in Saturday's contest with only one puck meeting Philipp Grubauer's pads. Backlund's second line is typically seen as the Flames' shutdown forward group, and they'll have their hands full trying to keep Nathan MacKinnon's line under control in Denver over the next two games.

Backlund scored a power-play goal and added seven shots and two hits in a 4-0 win over the Avalanche in Thursday's Game 1.

EDGE Analysis

Coming off of a 47-point season, Backlund and winger Matthew Tkachuk combined for three of the four goals in the contest as it was the "3M" line leading the offense. Backlund only has 15 games of playoff experience entering this run, with five points in those appearances. He'll be expected to provide secondary scoring while operating on the second power-play unit.

Backlund (rest) will rejoin the lineup for Wednesday's game against Anaheim, Derek Wills of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund will return to a top-six role against the Ducks, centering Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik on the Flames' second line. The 29-year-old Swede will likely also see time on Calgary's top power-play unit, making him an attractive option in daily contests.