News:Mikael Backlund will miss the 2013 IIHF World Ice Hockey Championships due to a right foot fracture.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund was not cleared to play in the May event after a fractured right foot was found during end-of-year medical testing.
News:Mikael Backlund didn't play Tuesday night against the Preds, as the team opted to start a handful of their recent callups, the Calgary Sun reports. "It will be to see who's going to step up," coach Bob Hartley said. "Most of the young players have been with us for a few weeks, and some have just arrived from Abbotsford. But many of them have played a game or two before, so they know what to expect. It's kind of one of the final exams."
Analysis: The Flames didn't haven anything specific to say about Mikael Backlund, but more were talking about getting the young players some ice time. Nashville is also already out of the playoffs, so it was a good opportunity to do this without affecting the playoff race.
News:Mikael Backlund netted the game-winning goal in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Wild.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has shown more of the potential this season that had Calgary so high on him initially, as he has eight goals and eight assists in 30 games. However, he has struggled again with injuries, which was a theme last season. With the youth movement in Calgary, he could get a little more playing time next season, so it remains to be seen what his fantasy ceiling is.
News:Mikael Backlund grabbed two assists in Friday's overtime victory against Phoenix.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has 13 points in 25 games this season, but these two points ended a three-game points drought. Look for Backlund to see points every few games until he establishes himself more as an offensive presence.
News:Mikael Backlund scored Calgary's only goal in Friday's loss to San Jose, his second tally in four games.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund is still labelled with having potential, but the Flames and keeper league owners are waiting for him to start making more of his chances. Still, Backlund has 11 points in 21 games this season over various stretches due to injuries. Keep him on your radars.
News:Mikael Backlund will not play Friday against Columbus, the Flames' official site reports.
Analysis: With Mikael Backlund sitting, Roman Cervenka will re-enter the Flames' forward mix Friday.
News:Mikael Backlund (foot) was minus-1 with a pair of shots on goal while skating 13:53 in his return to the lineup Monday.
Analysis: Fortunately for the young center, the injury was not as bad as initially feared. It appears as though he'll be ready to roll for the upcoming week.
News:Mikael Backlund (foot) could be available for Monday's game against Dallas, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund's injury wasn't as bad as originally thought, so he may not even miss a game. While Backlund has played fairly well this season, he doesn't put up enough points to take a risk on him with a game-time decision.
News:Mikael Backlund is dealing with a bruise associated with a crack in the bone after appearing to hurt his right foot Friday.
Analysis: For now, Mikael Backlund, who has seven points in 12 games to date, is listed as day-to-day by the Flames.
News:Mikael Backlund was seen on crutches and wearing a boot Saturday after getting hurt in Friday's 6-3 win over Nashville, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has played well when healthy this season, but has missed more than half the year with a knee injury. He appears to have hurt his foot this time, and may be out for a little while. We'll keep you updated.
News:Mikael Backlund (knee) was activated from injured reserve Saturday.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund will be back in action for Saturday's game against the Kings. He hasn't skated since Feb. 7, but was off to a solid start before the knee injury, with three goals and an assist in his first eight games
News:Mikael Backlund (knee) is nearing a return. "After practice [Friday] he feels very good, he's very close to being cleared by the medical staff to play," Flames coach Bob Hartley said.
Analysis: The MCL sprain was Mikael Backlund's third significant injury since the beginning of last season, but it sounds like he'll return closer to the front end of the four-to-six week timetable originally given for his recovery.
News:Mikael Backlund was back on the ice with a no-contact jersey Monday, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has been out for a month with an MCL sprain but showed few signs of the injury Monday. He was the second line center when he went down but with all the line shuffling it's hard to tell where he'll fit in when he returns. We'll keep you updated.
News:Mikael Backlund is expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a Grade 2 sprain of his MCL, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: Not long after Mikael Backlund netted his third goal of the season Thursday, he went down with the knee injury, and he'll miss at least a month. It's a tough break for the 23-year-old, as he seemed to be establishing himself as a legit top-six forward for the Flames. The newly recalled Ben Street will fill in while Backlund's on the shelf.
News:Mikael Backlund (leg) was placed on injured reserve Friday.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund went down in the third period of Thursday's game, and he'll miss at least a week of action as a result. The Flames recalled Ben Street from the AHL to help out at center while Backlund's on the shelf.
Flames' Backlund Leaves Thursday's Game With Injury
News:Mikael Backlund limped off the ice in the third period of Thursday's game and did not return, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: It's a tough break for Mikael Backlund, who scored earlier in the game and was off to a solid start this season, with four points in eight games. No word yet on how serious the injury is, and we'll keep you updated as to when he should return.
News:Mikael Backlund tallied his first goal of the season in Wednesday's 3-2 shootout loss to Vancouver.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund is showing why teammates and coaches were impressed with him in training camp, as he has two points in his first three games and has taken hold of the No. 2 center spot. If he can continue playing well and hold off Roman Cervenka for the No. 2 spot when Cervenka returns from injury, Backlund is worth a look on the waiver wire.
News:Mikael Backlund had an assist in Calgary's 4-1 defeat at the hands of San Jose Sunday.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund got off to a horrid start in 2011-12, so this is a good sign for the Swedish center. Coaches and teammates raved about Backlund in training camp, so perhaps this is the season he starts to live up to his potential. Keep an eye on him.
News:Mikael Backlund stayed sharp in the offseason playing in Sweden and feels healed from his shoulder injury, the Calgary Heraldreports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund is coming off a frustrating year marked by injuries and inconsistent play, but hit his stride in Sweden with 30 points in 23 games. He was expected to be the No. 1
center last year but that experiment didn't work out. However, there is no clear-cut first line center in Calgary this season. If he can play like he did in Sweden early, he has a shot at the No. 2 spot.
News:Mikael Backlund has signed a two-month contract to play in Sweden, the fourth Flames player to depart to Europe, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund missed half of last season and was itching to get back on the ice, especially with the NHL cancelling the first two weeks of the season. He could come back to the Flames in two months if the lockout ends, but the odds of that aren't looking good at the moment.
News:Mikael Backlund re-signed with the Flames to a one-year contract Thursday, the team's official website reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund scored 11 points in 41 games for the Flames last season, missing some time with a shoulder injury. He should be ready to go by the time training camp rolls around.
News:Mikael Backlund (shoulder) is not likely to return this season, as he still is not practicing, according to the Calgary Herald.
Analysis: It was a lost season for Mikael Backlund, as he struggled with injuries and higher expectations. He had 11 points and a minus-13 in 41 games and hasn't played since early February.
News:Mikael Backlund (shoulder) will miss 4-to-6 weeks, CalgaryFlames.com reports.
Analysis: A prognosis of this sort was the general expectation for Mikael Backlund. Luckily for fantasy owners, his 11 points in 41 games are replaceable in most leagues.
News: TSN's Bob McKenzie speculates that Mikael Backlund, who had his arm in a sling Sunday, will be out at least a month.
Analysis: We'll await further info Monday, but it looks like the team's forward depth is about to take a hit. Mikael Backlund has 11 points and a minus-13 rating in 41 games to date though, numbers which reflect his marginal fantasy utility.
News:Mikael Backlund (shoulder) had his arm in a sling Sunday and did not participate in Calgary's skills competition, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: This is not good news for Mikael Backlund, who was injured in Saturday's game. He likely will not play in Tuesday's game.
News:Mikael Backlund left Saturday's game in the second period after appearing to get hurt after being charged by Vancouver's Andrew Alberts. He will not return, according to a report on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Analysis: For what it's worth, Mikael Backlund fought back so we're not sure if it was the charge that hurt him or the scuffle afterwards. The nature of the injury is currently unknown but it may be a shoulder or elbow. More as it becomes available.
News:Mikael Backlund notched an assist in the Flames' 3-1 win against the Blackhawks on Friday.
Analysis: It's been a disappointing season for Mikael Backlund, as he has a higher minus rating (13) than point total (11). He may have been rushed to the top of Calgary's lines a little too soon and is consequently experiencing some growing pains. He may still have some fantasy potential in the future, however, as he continues to gain experience.
News:Mikael Backlund registered an assist in Calgary's 2-1 shootout loss at San Jose on Tuesday.
Analysis: Although Mikael Backlund only has nine points in 32 games this season, four of those have come in the past five games. If you need a fill-in center, Backlund has some value while he remains playing well, especially because he's currently centering the Jarome Iginla-Michael Cammalleri line.
News:Mikael Backlund has three points in his last two games since putting up a minus-5 against Boston on January 5.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has been shouldering some of the blame for Calgary's up and down season so far, but he has responded to the whipping he took at the hands of Boston with three points and a plus-3 in the last two games. He has definite scoring potential, so keep an eye on him in case he goes on a tear.
News:Mikael Backlund picked up an assist Saturday to help Calgary to a 3-1 win over Minnesota.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has had a rough sophomore campaign, with only three goals, three assists and a minus-11 in 28 games. For a guy the Flames were hoping would center the team's top line, Backlund has taken a major step back this season.
News:Mikael Backlund had an assist in Calgary's 4-3 overtime loss to Ottawa on Friday.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund is starting to improve this season, as he has two points in his last four games and is a plus-2. The center may have been pressing earlier in the season with such high expectations of him, and finally seems to be settling into his second-line role. He certainly has the potential to be a pretty good fantasy player, but that potential likely won't be fulfilled until at least next year.
News:Mikael Backlund scored the game-winner in Calgary's 3-1 victory against Vancouver on Friday.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund had been struggling mightily coming into Friday's game, riding a seven-game scoreless streak and a recent healthy scratch. He really hasn't lit up the scoresheet like the Flames thought he would, with only four points in 21 games. He is only in his second full year, however, so there is still time for him to mature into a pretty good player.
News:Mikael Backlund scored one of Calgary's seven goals Tuesday as the Flames dispatched the Hurricanes 7-6.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has scored a point in every other game since starting off the season with a seven-game scoreless streak. While that doesn't warrant fantasy consideration quite yet, it shows some of the potential the Flames were hoping for from the 22-year-old center at the beginning of the season.
News: After a terrible seven-game start to his season, with no points and a minus-5, Mikael Backlund finally got his first point Sunday and was a plus-1.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has not produced like the Flames thought he would quite yet, but performed a little better on the second line with Blake Comeau and Lee Stempniak on Sunday. Perhaps a line shakeup is what Backlund needed to spark his play, but he is still a year or two away from fantasy relevance.
News:Mikael Backlund returned from a broken finger to make his season debut Friday as the Flames fell to the Blackhawks 4-1.
Analysis: He didn't have a dynamic return to the lineup, with a minus-2 and no points, but it may take a couple games to get back into the swing of things. He is projected as the No. 1 center between Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay for Saturday's game against Colorado, so he certainly has fantasy potential, but let him prove he belongs before picking him up.
News:Mikael Backlund (finger) practiced Monday for the first time since breaking his finger, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund won't be in the lineup Tuesday against Minnesota, but says he will be back after a few more practices. He will likely be back in the next week or so.
News:Mikael Backlund (finger) is shooting for a return in mid-November, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: The six-week timetable put out when Mikael Backlund originally broke his finger appears to have been accurate. Backlund will likely be between Rene Bourque and Lee Stempniak when he returns to the ice.
News:Mikael Backlund (finger) is hoping to be back for Calgary's Nov. 3 game against Detroit, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis:Mikael Backlund has yet to play this season for Calgary, as he's been out with a broken finger. He is hoping to center the No. 1 line of Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla at some point, but is more likely to center the No. 3 line when he gets back.
News:Mikael Backlund (finger) skated on his own in practice Monday, according to the Calgary Herald.
Analysis: While his return is still at least a few weeks away, it's good to see Mikael Backlund back on the ice.
Calgary's Backlund Out Six Weeks With Broken Finger
News:Mikael Backlund is expected to miss six weeks with a broken finger, the Montreal Gazette reports.
Analysis: This is disappointing news as Mikael Backlund was the favorite to center Calgary's first line between star wingers Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. Roman Horak and Olli Jokinen are the most likely candidates to take Backlund's until he returns.
Flames' Backlund Leaves Practice With Finger Injury
News:Mikael Backlund left Sunday's practice with a finger injury, The Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Head coach Brent Sutter indicated that the injury wasn't serious. Mikael Backlund, 22, scored 25 points (10G, 15A) in 73 games for Calgary last season. The injury won't likely keep the young center out of action for long.
News:Mikael Backlund (undisclosed) returned to practice Wednesday after missing a few days, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: It appears Mikael Backlund just had some aches and pains that needed a couple days to heal. He looks like the frontrunner to center the No. 1 Calgary line of Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla, so Backlund could be primed for a big year.
News: With Brendan Morrison out indefinitely, Mikael Backlund will get a shot at centering the Flames' first line with Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: Should Mikael Backlund win the first-line center position, this would bump up his value immensely. His 25 points in 2010-11 weren't leading any fantasy teams to championships, but playing alongside scorers like Iginla and Tanguay will certainly up that total. If Backlund earns the spot, he's worth a look in late rounds in deeper leagues.
News: Backlund will join Team Sweden in the IIHF World Championships, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Backlund got an enthusiastic endorsement from the coaching staff to go play in international play. "They're really interested and I want to go," Backlund said. "I had to meet with (GM) Jay (Feaster) and the coaches first but they are really excited for me to go. I'm just waiting for them to call me now and let me know the dates."
News: With Daymond Langkow getting moved to the Flames' top line, Backlund will slide back down, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: Backlund has had trouble getting on a scoring line much of the year, so this doesn't represent much of a change.
News: Backlund returned from a bout with the flu Sunday but was held without a point against the Preds.
Analysis: Backlund was supposed to have some upward mobility this season, but he's barely seeing any power play time and mostly has been relegated to third or fourth line duty.
News: Backlund did not suit up for Friday's game due to a bout with the flu, according to the team's official Twitter page.
Analysis: The illness should not keep Backlund out for long. Consider him questionable for Sunday's game against the Predators.
Flames' Backlund Plays Through Leg Ailment, Scores
News: Backlund played through a leg injury Friday, scoring his fifth goal of the season in a 7-4 win over Dallas.
Analysis: Backlund missed Thursday's practice but still recorded 11:31 of ice time Friday, which is the most he's had in seven games. The embattled rookie will look to carry the momentum into Saturday's contest against the Canucks.
News: Backlund (leg) is not practicing with the Flames on Thursday, the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Backlund, who has just nine points in 39 games thus far, has a mild charley horse, but he is expected to be available for Friday's game against the Stars.
News: Backlund has just one point (an assist) since January 5, the date of his latest call-up from AHL Abbotsford.
Analysis: Backlund continues to go through long stretches without recording any points. To be fair, he has been on the ice for less than 10 minutes for the past six contests. With that said, he's best used as a fantasy keeper-league option at this point in his career.
News: Backlund recorded an assist in Wednesday's 3-1 loss to the Canucks.
Analysis: After a string of healthy scratches and a one-game stint in the minors, Backlund was back in action for the first time since December 18. He's still very raw offensively, but that figures to change with more NHL experience.
News: Backlund, who has seen his share of healthy scratches lately, will finally return to the lineup Wednesday night against the Canucks in Vancouver, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Time will tell if the 21-year-old Backlund starts getting consistent minutes in the NHL. But at least for Wednesday night, he'll slide into the lineup with Niklas Hagman reportedly headed to the bench.
News: Backlund has been recalled from Abbotsford of the AHL, the Flames' official site reports.
Analysis: Backlund made his AHL season debut with the Heat on Monday, only to return to the majors a day later. According to the report, he could rejoin the lineup Wednesday for a road game against the Canucks. The Flames have made Backlund a frequent press-box spectator as of late, so it will be worth monitoring his minutes once they finally plug the youngster back into the lineup.
News: Backlund has been sent to Abbotsford (AHL), the Flames' official site reports.
Analysis: It's better for his long-term development to play 18-plus minutes per night in the minors than to observe his Calgary teammates from the press box each night. He should be back with the club later on this season.
News: Backlund could be a healthy scratch for the fifth straight game Friday as he was not included in the line combinations from Thursday's practice, the Flames' official site reports.
Analysis: Backlund should be nowhere near a fantasy lineup until the Flames find a way to grant the rookie consistent playing time.
News: Backlund has watched the last four games from the press box, according to the Calgary Herald.
Analysis: It will be interesting to see if the resignation of long-time GM Darryl Sutter has an impact on Backlund and his lack of playing time. He's shown flashes of promise in 32 games with the Flames this season, but he has no fantasy value outside of keeper leagues until he can permanently shed the DNP's in the box score.
News: Backlund will join fellow forward Ales Kotalik in the press box for Monday's contest against the Wild, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: The Flames have more healthy forwards than they can dress, so it's Backlund and Kotalik's time to ride the pine. Backlund is simply paying his dues as a young skater.
News: Backlund registered his fourth goal of the season Thursday in a 5-2 win over Toronto.
Analysis: Backlund had just one point (a goal) in 13 November games, but it appears that he has a better feel for things this month. He's still raw, but we expect Backlund to stand out on an average Calgary team in due time.
News: Backlund won 7 of 12 faceoffs and got five shots on net in Friday's loss to the Wild.
Analysis: Backlund played well without getting the ultimate payoff. He also is getting significant time on the penalty kill. Eventually he could find himself on a better scoring line.
News: Backlund struck twice in the first period for his first and second goals (and points) of the season in Thursday's loss to Detroit.
Analysis: Backlund's production will be limited only by his minutes and his continued NHL learning curve, as the 21-year-old has a lot of scoring potential.
News: The Flames intend to play newly signed Brendan Morrison among their top six forwards, the Calgary Herald reports, which would push Backlund down to a lesser line.
Analysis: Backlund's status has risen and fallen in training camp and the preseason due to various injuries and now this signing. Flames assistant GM Jay Feaster addressed the Morrison signing and how it affects Backlund. "That doesn't mean Backlund hasn't done a good job in this camp. But again, given the injury situation, we don't want to be short. We don't want to find ourselves down the road in a few weeks wishing we had done something. Morrison is a guy we feel can fill that role. He can play in our top six."
News: Backlund spent a lot of time playing on the Flames' first line after Olli Jokinen left with an injury on Tuesday night, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Backlund has moved up the Flames' depth chart thanks to all of the injuries to the centers. Right now the top three centers and five centers total are all hurt.
News: With Matt Stajan out with a shoulder injury, Backlund practiced with the Flames' second line Wednesday, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Backlund has a decent upside and might have advanced beyond his original fourth line status without an injury at some point, but Stajan's injury accelerates the pace. "You don't ever like seeing injuries, but they do happen," said coach Brent Sutter, "so we have to diversify and go with what's there. It's still exhibition so it's good . . . it's always nice to have centre icemen like that (Backlund) who you can move up, play on the first line, the third line, the fourth line because they're talented and skilled enough to do so. Mikael will get that opportunity now to play with Rene Bourque and see how it goes."
News: With Matt Stajan out with a shoulder injury, Backlund practiced with the Flames' second line Wednesday, the Calgary Herald reports.
Analysis: Backlund has a decent upside and might have advanced beyond his original fourth line status without an injury at some point, but Stajan's injury accelerates the pace. "You don't ever like seeing injuries, but they do happen," said coach Brent Sutter, "so we have to diversify and go with what's there. It's still exhibition so it's good . . . it's always nice to have centre icemen like that (Backlund) who you can move up, play on the first line, the third line, the fourth line because they're talented and skilled enough to do so. Mikael will get that opportunity now to play with Rene Bourque and see how it goes."
News: Backlund was back in action on Monday after getting high-sticked to the eye on Saturday, the Calgary Sun reports.
Analysis: Early on Backlund has been skating on a line with fourth-liners Raitis Ivanans and Kris Chucko, but eventually he's slated to skate on the top three lines for the Flames.
News: Flames C Mikael Backlund tallied an assist on Sunday against the Blackhawks. He has an assist in four straight games. He has five helpers total and a plus-5 rating as well.
Analysis: Backlund has really stepped up his game since moving to a line with Rene Bourque and Ales Kotalik. The former first-round pick has one goal, 10 points and a plus-5 rating in 20 games this season. Backlund is also showing he can be a presence in the faceoff circle. We wouldn't be surprised if Backlund gets his first shot at full-time NHL work in 2010-11. He remains a nice long-term Fantasy keeper.
News: The Flames assigned C Mikael Backlund to Abbotsford of the AHL on Sunday. Backlund, who was recalled in late January, had one goal and one assist in nine games with Calgary.
Analysis: While Backlund didn't do a lot of offense during this stint with Calgary, he won 55.6 percent of his faceoffs and that stat alone could bring Backlund back to the NHL in March. He is one of the Flames' prized prospects, but Backlund has more long-term Fantasy keeper appeal than seasonal.
News: Flames rookie C Mikael Backlund was scratched on Monday against the Flyers. Since he was recalled from Abbotsford (AHL) on Jan. 26, the Flames went 1-0-2 in Backlund's first three games. The 20-year-old Swede had one goal and one assist in the three games.
Analysis: It's surprising to see Calgary take the rookie out of the lineup since he has been a good play since his recall from the minors. He was also winning a ton of faceoffs. But Calgary wanted to dress some of its newest additions on Monday and that means Backlund might head back to the minors for more conditioning. Backlund is a long-term Fantasy keeper and potential sleeper in seasonal formats, if he sticks around.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Flames rookie Mikael Backlund, playing just his third NHL game, was the lone player who took a substantial number of draws and won the majority of them Thursday against the Coyotes. He won 11-of-18 -- 61 percent. Backlund also scored his first NHL goal, the game-tying marker which forced overtime.
Analysis: After looking jittery in his first NHL game of the season the night before in Dallas, Backlund was much more comfortable and assertive Thursday night in Phoenix. "I pretty much closed my eyes and shot it. I was just trying to get it on the net," he said of the goal. "It felt really good. It's an awesome feeling. I was so happy when I saw it in there." Backlund saw nearly 15 minutes of ice time and fired four shots on goal. He also spent time in the third period and overtime playing with Jarome Iginla. Backlund is up because of an injury to Craig Conroy, but if he keeps playing like Thursday, then he might be here to stay. Backlund is a long-term Fantasy keeper and potential sleeper in seasonal formats, if he sticks around.
News: The Calgary Herald reports the Flames recalled center Mikael Backlund from Abbotsford of the AHL since Craig Conroy is out an indefinite period with a knee injury he suffered on Monday against the Blues. Backlund took Wednesday's morning skate centering the third line with Eric Nystrom and Curtis Glencross. Stars rookie Jamie Benn, who is set to oppose Calgary on Wednesday, played with Backlund in junior hockey. "He’s a great player," Benn said. "I got to see him first hand last year. He was a big part of our team and a big part of our success. It's good that he’s up and I hope he stays for awhile."
Analysis: Calgary is willing to try anything right now as they can't seem to score or win games. Backlund, a 2007 first-round pick, is one of Calgary's prized prospects. He has 10 goals and 22 points in 47 games with Abbotsford. Backlund did appear in one game with Calgary last season, but he hardly made a dent. We are not sure how much damage Backlund can do playing off the third line, but it will be interesting to watch him in action. Backlund still has more long-term Fantasy keeper appeal until further notice.
News: The Flames ended prospect Mikael Backlund's stint in training camp Thursday by sending the 20-year-old center to Abbotsford of the AHL. He had no points and a minus-2 rating in three preseason games.
Analysis: The Flames and Fantasy owners have been waiting patiently for Backlund to become a full-time NHLer since he was taken 24th overall in the 2007 draft. It seems both parties will have to wait a little longer. Backlund has been developing his game over in Sweden the last few seasons and even spent last season playing some Canadian junior hockey. He is a great talent, but Backlund remains more of a long-term Fantasy keeper until he becomes a viable option in the NHL.
News: The Flames have assigned C Mikael Backlund to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League.
Analysis: Backlund, a star for the Swedish team in the World Junior Championships, remains a long-term keeper prospect but is not a seasonal option as he is unlikely to be back in the NHL this season.
News: The Calgary Flames added Swedish junior star Mikael Backlund to their roster Thursday, ending speculation that he'd join Quad City of the American Hockey League or Kelowna of the Western Hockey League. The 19-year-old center, drafted 24th overall in 2007, had five goals and two assists in six games for runner-up Sweden in the world junior championship.
Analysis: Backlund hasn't played a lot of organized hockey for Vasteras IK (Sweden) in recent seasons, only logging 67 games over three seasons. But Calgary liked what he has done recently and it appears will give him a chance to showcase his skills in the NHL. For now, Backlund is best used in long-term keeper leagues. But if he does well in his first NHL stint, Backlund might be worth adding in Fantasy.
News: Flames center prospect Mikael Backlund has been named to Sweden's roster for the World Junior Championships, which begin Dec. 26 in Ottawa. "He's close to playing in the NHL. It's just becoming more of a complete package, and he'll get an opportunity at this tournament," Flames GM Darryl Sutter told The Calgary Sun, alluding to the fact Backlund will be given a more offensive role this time.
Analysis: Backlund is back in Sweden working on his game and we could see him later in 2008-09 if he performs well at the World Juniors. Still, Backlund is best owned in long-term Fantasy keeper leagues.
News: The Calgary Flames have assigned F Mikael Backlund to Vasteras (Swedish Elite) and G Matt Keetley and F John Armstrong to Quad City (AHL).
Analysis: Backlund, a first-round choice in 2007, was expected to go back to Sweden and work on his game, so continue to ignore him in seasonal formats. Keetley and Armstrong can also be ignored, but in all leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange reports among the myriad tales that came out of the Flames summer prospect camp came a major observation: Mikael Backlund is the club's most talented prospect. What remains to be seen is how long the 2007 first-round draft choice remains in that category before becoming a full-time NHL player. Bank on it taking at least another year. Backlund, 19, is probably capable of taking a roster spot right now and will do his best when training camp opens in mid-September, but the reality is the center isn't quite ready to jump to the top two lines and the Flames don't need to force the issue.
Analysis: Backlund would be well served to return to one more year in the pro ranks in Sweden -- his club team, Vasteras, plays in the second best men's division -- as well as compete at another World Juniors tournament. Granted, should Backlund perform so well in training camp and in the preseason, the Flames could make room by dealing away a veteran or two, but they would only do that if they truly believe Backlund is ready for regular, full-time duty and considerable ice time. Backlund is an elite young talent worth owning in most long-term keeper leagues. However, he is nothing more than a potential Fantasy sleeper if he breaks camp with Calgary.
