Backlund failed to register a point for the third consecutive game during Thursday's 2-1 loss to Carolina.

EDGE Analysis

Following a breakout, 53-point showing in 2016-17, Backlund has struggled to duplicate last season's success with just two goals and three points through the first seven games this year. The center is a key cog for the Flames and is usually matched up against the opponent's best scorers, so his role isn't ideal for fantasy purposes. Still, with an average of 18:47 of ice time per game (including 2:20 on the power play), Backlund is in position to turn the corner sooner than later.

Backlund (back) is listed on the Flames' training camp roster, suggesting that he's recovered from his injury.

EDGE Analysis

Fantasy owners should be eager to get a glimpse of Backlund after he posted career highs across the board offensively last season; we're talking about 22 goals, 31 helpers and 16 points on the man advantage. The Swede skipped the 2017 IIHF World Championship due to his most recent ailment, but the condition evidently wasn't too serious, and now he appears ready to roll into the 2017-18 season.

Backlund will not play with Team Sweden at the 2017 IIHF World Championships due to recurring back pain, Roger Millions of Sportsnet reports.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund only missed one game out of a possible 86 during the Flames' 2016-17 campaign, so it's hard to fault the 27-year-old for wanting to take some time off the ice. Despite the back issue, he's fully expected to be ready for Calgary's offseason programs leading up to the upcoming 2017-18 season.

Backlund tacked on two assists -- including one on the power play -- Monday, but the Flames ended up losing Game 3 to the Ducks in overtime, 5-4.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund's passing skills helped the Flames take a 4-1 lead in the second period, only for Calgary's club to allow four unanswered goals to the utter shock and dismay of the home crowd. The Swede seems to be pulling his weight with three points in as many games during this quarterfinal round, but the Flames are at a 3-0 series deficit and fantasy owners in playoff pools may not be able to use Backlund much longer.

Backlund scored shorthanded in Saturday's Game 2 loss to the Ducks.

EDGE Analysis

It was a great individual effort from Backlund, who fired five shots on goal in the loss. The Flames may be trailing 2-0 in the series, but Backlund set a career high in goals this year and could play a key role when the series shifts back to Calgary. The two-way center is skating alongside Matthew Tkachuk and will need to improve on his lackluster career playoff totals if the Flames want to make a comeback.

Backlund managed a primary assist on the game's first goal by Michael Frolik on Friday. The Flames beat the Stars at home, 3-1.

EDGE Analysis

It's been an outstanding year for Backlund, as his helper put him in a tie for the team's points lead at 49, sharing the gaudy total with wunderkind Johnny Gaudreau. But that's not all for Backlund, as he reigns supreme on the power play with seven goals and 15 points on the man advantage to complement seven game-winners. He's cruising past career-high marks in several categories, so hopefully he keeps it up with the fantasy playoffs right around the corner.

Backlund posted his 20th goal of the season with a plus-1 rating in Friday's 3-2 overtime win against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

The tally was the game winner in overtime. Backlund has posted five goals with seven points with a plus-5 rating over his past six games. He also has managed four goals with 10 points over his past nine games against Eastern Conference foes. Backlund will look to keep up the good work against the Islanders on Sunday afternoon.

Backlund scored a goal and added a power-play assist Thursday in a 3-2 win over Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

He's been a remarkably steady presence for fantasy owners lately, picking up nine points in his last eight contests. Backlund is now just four points shy of last year's career-best 47, and with 21 games left on the schedule, he could very well make a run at 60. The 2007 first-round pick is finally growing into his pedigree.

Backlund scored twice in Tuesday's 6-5 overtime win over the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Backlund's second of the night tied the game 5-5 with 9:10 to play. This effort put the Swedish center over the 40-point mark for just the second time in his career while also bringing him within four of last season's career-high 21 goals.

Backlund collected two assists and fired four shots on goal in Sunday's loss to the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Another strong game from Backlund, who had the overtime winner against New Jersey on Friday. The 27-year-old is known for being streaky, but his 37 points put him on pace for a career offensive season. He's meshing well with Matthew Tkachuk both at even strength and on the power play, so he could be worth looking at. He's locked into a top-six role and has netted six power-play goals and five game-winners, making him a well-rounded fantasy option.