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.

Backlund had an abdominal procedure Wednesday and is now considered week-to-week, Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960 The Fan reports. It seemed like Backlund was getting closer to a return, but he can't seem to shake this abdominal injury. He may not be returning for months instead of weeks now, so if you were stashing him, now is the time to cut him loose.

Backlund (abdomen) is skating on his own but still has some conditioning to do before returning to the lineup, according to the Calgary Herald. Backlund is hoping to finally kick this abdominal injury that has been plaguing him for months, and the Flames are going to give him as much time as he needs to avoid setbacks. Consider him week-to-week until he starts practicing with the team again.

Backlund was placed on injured reserve Thursday and is considered week-to-week with an abdominal issue, Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun reports. Backlund has been bothered by the abdominal issue since training camp, but the team decided it was best for him to take some time off to recover from the injury. Backlund had played productively in spite of the ailment, contributing one goal and four assists in the Flames' 11 games. He'll be replaced on the 23-man roster by Michael Ferland.

Backlund was placed on injured reserve Thursday and is considered week-to-week with an abdominal issue, Randy Sportak of the Calgary Sun reports. Backlund has been bothered by the abdominal issue since training camp, but the team decided it was best for him to take some time off to recover from the injury. Backlund had played productively in spite of the ailment, contributing one goal and four assists in the Flames' 11 games. He'll be replaced on the 23-man roster by Michael Ferland.

Backlund notched an assist Sunday in a 4-1 win over the Jets. Backlund now has three points in three games and looks much more comfortable after missing the preseason. After a career year in 2013-14, perhaps Backlund is finally putting it all together. Fifty points is not out of the question if Backlund can stay healthy, but that and consistency has always been an issue with him.