Backlund snapped his four-game goal streak but added an assist in a 4-3 overtime victory against the Sharks on Saturday. Backlund has been a new player since returning from an abdominal injury, with seven points in five games. While he never has been a scoring dynamo, he is currently worth playing as he is red-hot.

Backlund pushed his goal streak to four games with a second-period tally in Thursday's win over the Coyotes. Backlund produced only one goal in his 11 games prior to missing over two months with an abdominal tear, but has ignited the Flames since returning from injured reserve Jan. 7. The center is worth a look in most formats while he continues to sizzle.

Backlund scored the game-winning goal on the first shot of the game Saturday against Vancouver. Backlund has now scored in three straight games since returning from an abdominal injury, recording five points and 11 shots on goal in that span. Currently centering the second line and playing on the first power-play unit, Backlund is a great sleeper pick for the second half of the season. The 25-year-old, who notched 18 goals and 39 points last season, will need to show some more consistency before we can recommend him in most formats. His inconsistency has been a big reason why fantasy owners have refrained from adding him in the past.

Backlund supplied a goal and assist in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Panthers. That's back-to-back two-point efforts for Backlund in his first two games back from a lengthy absence following abdominal surgery. He's fired off seven shots during that span while seeing ample time on the Flames' top power-play unit, which might be significant enough to warrant a waiver-wire pickup.

Backlund (abdominal surgery) returned to the lineup with a bang Wednesday, potting a shorthanded goal, adding an assist and firing four shots on goal in a 3-2 loss to the Red Wings. What a return for the 25-year-old Swede, who was playing in just his 12th game of the year after a lengthy stint on injured reserve. Through those 12 games, Backlund has collected two goals, four assists, a plus-1 rating, four PIM and 22 SOG.

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.

Backlund (abdomen) could return to action Wednesday against the Red Wings, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 reports. Backlund skated on the third line at Tuesday's practice and looked "pretty good," according to head coach Bob Hartley, so he is on the verge of playing for the first time since Oct. 28. Expect his status to be updated sometime prior to Wednesday's game.

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.

Backlund (abdomen) remains without a timetable for his return, NHL.com's Aaron Vickers reports. Coach Bob Hartley acknowledged that while he doesn't believe Backlund is far off a return, he wouldn't speculate when the forward might be ready to go. Given how much ambiguity exists with this situation, it's probably best to avoid picking up Backlund on speculation until a clearer return date exists.

Backlund (abdominal surgery) skated on his own prior to Thursday's practice, Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald reports. Backlund's recovery from surgery seems to be trending positively, but because he's missed over a month and a half, he might need to head out on a conditioning assignment in the minors. That won't happen until he resumes practicing with the team, though there's no telling when that might occur.