Mikael Backlund has been activated off of the injured reserve list. The Flames did not release a formal announcement to that effect on their website, but their official team roster no longer lists him as being on the injured reserve list. The Flames made room for Backlund by sending Niklas Hagman to the minors after he cleared waivers on Friday. Backlund will play on a line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay.

Mikael Backlund (broken finger) was cleared to play and will start on Friday on the top line between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. This was the role that was proclaimed for him in the off-season and the Flames would love it if he could fill the spot. Backlund suffered the broken finger in training camp and Friday will mark his season debut. Get him in your lineup in deeper leagues and if he is on the waiver wire, grab him quickly in all but shallow leagues. He will be officially taken off the injured reserve list when Niklas Hagman passes through waivers at noon ET Friday.

Mikael Backlund is projected to activated from a broken pinky finger on Friday to play that night against the Chicago Blackhawks. He is slated to center Calgary's top line between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay when he makes his season debut. The Flames placed Niklas Hagman on waivers Thursday to open a roster spot for Backlund. We'll keep you posted when the move becomes official.

Mikael Backlund (broken finger) might play in Friday's contest. Backlund has missed Calgary's first 14 games due to the injury. He's a candidate to play alongside Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay when he's healthy.

The Flames are hoping that Mikael Backlund (broken finger) will return to practice next week. Calgary is struggling to score goals and they could sure use a healthy Backlund. He may return as early as next weekend to center Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay bumping Olli Jokinen back to the second unit. Stay tuned for further updates.

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.