Mikael Backlund will go to the hospital on Tuesday to get an update on his broken finger. Backlund had to have surgery on his finger to prevent it from healing crooked. Due to that, he was initially expected to miss six weeks, which would put his return date in mid-November. We'll keep you posted.

Mikael Backlund underwent surgery on Tuesday for a broken finger. Backlund suffered the injury during Sunday's practice. He isn't expected to return until mid-November. He had 10 goals and 25 points in 73 games last season.

Calgary center Mikael Backlund will miss six weeks with a broken left pinkie finger. Backlund sustained the injury, which will require surgery, during Sunday's practice. He was 1-3-4 in five preseason games after posting 10-15-25 in 73 games last season.

Mikael Backlund sustained a finger injury during Sunday's practice. Backlund didn't finish the practice as a result of the injury, but Flames coach Brent Sutter doesn't seem to think it's serious. Consider Backlund day-to-day for now.

It is not yet clear if Mikael Backlund will center the Flames' top line between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. He certainly has been given the opportunity in the pre-season, but there are many who believe that Brendan Morrison, provided he is healthy, will start the season on Calgary's top unit. We recognize that there is a lot at stake for those of you selecting players this weekend so we will pass on any further updates on this situation as soon as possible.

Mikael Backlund (undisclosed) was back at practice on Wednesday. The center should be in the Flames lineup on Thursday. He had 10 goals and 25 points in 73 games last season and should do much better in 2011-12. He could be the sleeper that you've been looking for in your pool as he has a great opportunity to start the season on the top line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. He could get 50-60 points this season if he remains with the Flames top unit.

Mikael Backlund is battling an undisclosed injury. Backlund might still be able to play in Thursday's preseason game. He had 10 goals and 25 points in 73 games last season. Stay tuned.

Mikael Backlund is hoping to start the season on a line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. "That's what I've been working on the whole summer, thinking I want to play on that line and contribute and be a key player on the team," Backlund said. He looked good on the top line with those two towards the end of the 2010-11 campaign, so we wouldn't be surprised if he ends up on that line. He could reach the 50 point mark if he plays regularly with Iginla and Tanguay.

Mikael Backlund did not lace up the skates until August this season. Backlund had been skating by July in previous off-seasons but decided to change his routine. "The last couple of years, I was skating in July, and when camp would come, I'd be sick of it," Backlund said. "This time, I waited a few weeks, and that's made me extra excited." Backlund has also been working with the Flames strength and conditioning coach and has lost all his 'baby fat' according to Brent Sutter. Look for the former first round pick to improve greatly on his 10 goal, 25 point season of 2010-11 as he has the ability to get 40-50 points, especially if he centers Jarome Iginla.