Mikael Backlund had a hat trick in Wednesday's scrimmage. That should help Backlund build a little extra confidence going into the shortened season. "Coming from last year where I struggled to score a lot, it's always good to score," said Backlund. "I'm just going to try and carry this with me. Still, it's just a scrimmage, but it always feels good to score." Backlund had four goals and 11 points in 41 games in 2011-12. He should do better than that in the shortened season, but we can't recommend drafting him in standard leagues.

Mikael Backlund has a chance to be a top two center for Calgary this season. The Flames are weak down the middle as Roman Cervenka is out with blood clots and there is so little else on the team that they are moving Alex Tanguay from the wing to center, giving Backlund his chance. "We had a little talk, me and Bob," Backlund said on Monday. "A good meeting. Roman's out, he's a great player and we want him back as soon as possible. For me, that doesn't change anything, if he's in or out. I still have to prove myself, show them I'm good enough for this level, show them I'm a good top-six player. If I want to be a top-six player, it doesn't matter if guys are hurt or not." This could be Backlund's last chance for a top two role in Calgary so this is an important season for the 23-year-old. Take a chance and draft him very late in the deepest of leagues only.

Mikael Backlund could be a sleeper to center Calgary's top line when the regular season begins. He lost his shot at that job last year when he suffered a broken finger in a pre-season practice and he ended up posting just 11 points in 41 games. Backlund should arrive at camp with plenty of confidence this time around after playing very well with Vasteras in Sweden's second division. He found a great of chemistry with St. Louis forward Patrik Berglund, which helped him register 12 goals and 30 points in 23 games. He would also fit more comfortably into the role than trying to convert a winger and would be the next best option if Roman Cervenka isn't healthy enough.

Mikael Backlund registered his 10th Hockeyallsvenskan marker in a 4-2 win for Vasteras against Orebro on Tuesday. Backlund has been great in the Sweden's second division this year and he has dominated the league alongside St. Louis' Patrik Berglund. The Calgary Flames forward is fourth in league scoring with 25 points in 16 games, while Berglund has 25 points as well in 21 contests but occupies the third overall spot because of his 16 goals.

Mikael Backlund has been on a scoring tear since joining Vasteras in Sweden's second-highest level of competition. He had a goal and assisted on another by St. Louis' Patrik Berglund to help lead his team to a 2-0 win over Mora. In just nine games, Backlund has amassed 15 points.

Mikael Backlund tallied a goal and assisted on another in a 4-2 loss for Vasteras on Tuesday. His assist helped set up St. Louis forward Patrik Berglund in the second period. Backlund has five goals and eight assists in eight contests in Sweden's second division this year.

Mikael Backlund produced a goal and two helpers to propel Vasteras to a 4-1 win versus Leksands in Sweden's second-tier league. The Calgary forward had a hand in the team's first three scores of the contest. St. Louis center Patrik Berglund scored the game-winner late in the second period. Backlund is eager to prove himself with Calgary, but the NHL lockout has put that on hold for now so he'll attempt to build some momentum for himself in Europe first.

Mikael Backlund's deal with Vasteras will last two months. "It's going to be fun to play," Backlund said. "I was trying to stay patient because you want things to happen here first, but it doesn't look good. It's just not going to help me to stay here. I need to play - I haven't played since Feb. 11. That's a long time without games. After the season, mentally it's good to get away from hockey. But it's been way too long now." Backlund will be joining St. Louis forward Patrik Berglund.

Mikael Backlund has agreed to terms with Vasteras to play in Sweden. The team, which resides in Sweden's second-highest level of competition, already has St. Louis forward Patrik Berglund in the fold. Backlund is expected to debut on Tuesday.

Mikael Backlund hasn't committed to playing with a European team yet, but he might in the not too distant future. Backlund is still hoping that the lockout will end before he makes a decision. He's been linked to Vasteras in Sweden's second league, but that was before it was determined that the Swedish Elite League could employ locked out NHLers.