What Happened
Calgary Flames head coach Ryan Huska told reporters Tuesday that captain Mikael Backlund is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, according to Sportsnet's Eric Francis. Backlund departed Sunday's 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the closing minutes after absorbing a hit from William Carrier. The 37-year-old forward was absent from the club's Tuesday morning practice.
Key Details
- Backlund was injured late in Sunday's 3-2 win over Carolina after a hit from William Carrier.
- The captain did not skate at Calgary's Tuesday morning practice.
- Backlund has one goal and one assist through eight games this season.
- Coach Ryan Huska provided the day-to-day designation on Tuesday.
What It Means
Backlund centers a veteran role for Calgary and his absence, even short-term, tests the club's depth down the middle. The day-to-day label suggests the Flames do not currently expect a long absence, but his status for Thursday's home game against Minnesota remains uncertain.
What's Next
Calgary hosts the Minnesota Wild on Thursday. Backlund's availability will depend on how the upper-body injury responds over the next two days.