Mikael Backlund is trying to stay positive after being a healthy scratch on Wednesday. "It wasn't a bad start, I (just needed) a little better flow out there offensively," Backlund said. "I just never seemed to get it going. That's all my own fault ... but I'm still patient and I believe in myself." It looks like he'll return on Friday, but as a fourth liner.

Mikael Backlund was a healthy scratch on Wednesday for the first time this season as coach Bob Hartley is not happy with his play. Backlund had two goals and four points in 11 games heading into action Wednesday but was placed on the fourth line Saturday and dropped from the lineup against Toronto as Hartley went with Tim Jackman to give the Flames a tougher lineup. "Toronto is a big, physical, tough team," Hartley said. "We needed to add some muscle and I sat with Backs. I'm a big fan of this young man . . . I told him I need more from him. I'm not pleased with his game and so is he. He's man enough he said he needs to do more. It was not a message or anything, but I told him if he was playing better and contributing offensively in a better way." Expect to see Backlund back in the lineup against the Red Wings but we cannot recommend him at this time.

Mikael Backlund missed practice on Saturday due to some minor bruises. The Flames are blocking more shots this season and one of the drawbacks will be actually getting hit by the shot and picking up the occasional bruise when the puck does not hit the equipment. Backlund is poised for a breakout season as he has a goal and two helpers in five games. He should be ready to go when the Flames play in Anaheim Wednesday.

Mikael Backlund signed a two-year contract worth $3 million with the Flames. The 24-year-old netted eight goals and chipped in with eight more assists this past season. "Mikael really stepped-up last season and took advantage of the change in direction under a new coaching staff," said Flames general manager Jay Feaster. "He came into camp in very good shape and also had regained his confidence. He parlayed that into a strong season, and if it wasn't for his injury we believe he would have progressed even further in his development. We need Mikael to be one of our go-to players this year, and we are excited about watching him continue to evolve and take that step to the next level as a player."

The Flames are expected to officially extend qualifying offers to center Mikael Backlund and defensemen T.J. Brodie, Chris Butler and Mark Cundari on Tuesday. The team needs to file paperwork before the deadline Tuesday in order to ensure all four players remain restricted free agents. Of course, anyone who remembers the Blackhawks fiasco from a few years ago knows that RFA paperwork can always go sideways. Backlund and Brodie are particularly important pieces for Calgary moving forward and should remain under Flames control.

Mikael Backlund has a right foot fracture and won't play for Sweden in the world championships. Backlund had eight goals and 16 points in 32 games this season, although it's now fair to wonder how long he's been playing with this injury considering he played through the final game of the year. Backlund is scheduled for restricted free agency this summer and this injury certainly won't help his case. Regardless, the former first-round pick is unlikely to have any fantasy value in most formats.

Mikael Backlund found the back of the net on Saturday. Backlund has seven goals and 14 points in 26 games. The Flames don't have much left to play for as a team, but every point Backlund gets will help him in his contract negotiations. He's scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer.

Mikael Backlund is scheduled to become a restricted free agent this summer. "Obviously, the better I play, the better contract I'll get - that's how it works," says Backlund. "So I'm trying to do my best and show them that I want to be a part of this team, I want to be part of the future of this organization. Hopefully, I'd like to stay here." Backlund is 24 and has never been much of an option in standard fantasy leagues. He inked a one-year, $725,000 contract for the 2012-13 campaign.

Look for Mikael Backlund to center Roman Cervenka and Sven Baertschi on Monday. The Flames will take on the Colorado Avalanche and with Baertschi being recalled on Sunday due to the injury suffered by Brian McGrattan, Calgary coach Bob Hartley will play his three talented European trained players together, hoping the line has some magic together. Backlund could be worth a pickup if the line clicks, in deeper leagues.

Mikael Backlund will take a seat as a healthy scratch Friday. He will relegated to the press box against Columbus, along with defenseman Chris Butler. They will be replaced by Roman Cervenka and Derek Smith in the Flames' lineup.