Calgary Flames Player News

Huberdeau was hurt in a preseason game and missed the first 51 games of the season, but will make his season debut tonight versus the Ducks. Huberdeau’s injury really hurt the Panthers, but he returns with them just outside of the playoffs. Huberdeau had a break-out 2015-16 season, scoring 20 goals with 39 assists (59 points) in 76 games. Expect him to be re-united with Aleksander Barkov, who also returns tonight and Jaromir Jagr.

In late December it was believed that Huberdeau would be ready to go in mid-February, but it sounds like he won’t be ready until the first week of March. The Panthers have had a tough time with injuries this season and Huberdeau couldn’t return soon enough.

The Panthers are still waiting for Huberdeau to make his season debut and he appears to be on track to play in mid-February. Expect Seth Griffith to continue to skate on the top-line, but Huberdeau should take that spot as soon as he is ready to go.

The Canadiens have recalled Hanley because Alexei Emelin’s wife is expecting, so Hanley is expected to replace him in the lineup vs. the Wild. Hanley has no points in five games with Montreal.

Strome is reportedly not feeling well, so there’s a good chance that Anthony Beauvillier will replace Strome tonight vs. the Blues.

Strome was a healthy scratch in the last two games, but will be in the lineup for Alan Quine on Wednesday. Strome has collected six points (2G / 4A) in 19 games this season. He will play centre, likely on the third line with Jason Chimera and Anders Lee.

Strome will be a healthy scratch for the second straight game. Strome is coming off of a rough 2015-16 season and has picked up just six points (2G / 4A) in 19 games this season.

Hanley had no points while averaging 11:00 TOI/GM in five games during his call-up. He returns to St. John’s, where he has one goal and three assists in 10 games this season.

Huberdeau was coming into 2016-17 with massive expectations after a career-year last season. His injury will keep him out until at least January and opens the door for younger players like Jonathan Marchessault, who moved to the top line following Huberdeau's injury on Saturday.

Huberdeau was injured in Saturday’s preseason game against the Devils when the skate of Sergey Kalinin came down on Huberdeau’s ankle. Huberdeau had to be stitched up and is expected to undergo an MRI on Sunday. The 23-year-old winger was spotted in a walking boot and all signs point towards this being a serious injury. This would be a huge blow to the Panthers’ forward group, that is already missing Nick Bjugstad.

Backlund suffered a concussion while representing Team Sweden at the World Cup of Hockey and he will return to Calgary where he will be reevaluated this week. The 27-year-old has had a tough time staying healthy during his career, but is coming off of a year where he played 82-games for the first time in his career. With two weeks before the start of the regular season, Backlund could be ready for opening night.

Strome, 23, was a restricted free agent who is coming off of a tough year. The 23-year-old had just 28 points (8G / 20A) in 71 games with the Islanders and was sent to Bridgeport (AHL) for a period of time. The former fifth overall pick (2011) had 17 goals and 33 assists (50 points) in 2014-15, showcasing his high-end offensive ability. He is an intriguing late-round pick for 2016-17.

Huberdeau, 23, is coming off of a career-year, having posted 20 goals and 39 assists (59 points). The former third overall pick (2011) has turned in back-to-back 50-plus point seasons and appears to only be scratching the surface of what he might be able to accomplish on the Panthers’ top-line with Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr.