Odds were Swedish Forward Mikael Backlund would end up playing in North America following the World Junior Tournament in Ottawa, but speculation was that he would debut with the Kelowna Rockets or the Quad Cities Flames.

Due to a back injury (?!) to Todd Bertuzzi, Backlund (who is in Calgary) may indeed make his NHL debut tonight at home against the Isles.

Backlund lead team Sweden with 5 goals (3 PPG) at the World Juniors and was drafted by the Flames with their 1st Round selection in 2007. Backlund's role with his Swedish Elite League club had been shrinking this season, thus the move to North America.

The Flames have all sort of Defenders (Aulie, Negrin, Pelech) and Goalies (Keetley, Irving) in their system but lack any offensive game-breakers aside from Backlund which explains the watchful eyes in Calgary.

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