Calgary Flames Player News

Huberdeau will miss his second straight game with the flu, but could join the team in Philadelphia tomorrow and potentially be back in the lineup vs. the Flyers on Thursday.

The Panthers will be without five regulars tonight including Huberdeau, so Colby Robak will make his season debut as a seventh defenseman.

Backlund is listed as week-to-week with an abdomen injury. With Backlund out the Flames recalled Michael Ferlund from Adirondack (AHL). There is no timetable for Backlund' return.

Updating an earlier report: It is confirmed that Huberdeau will return tonight and he will skate on the third-line with Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester.

Huberdeau, who has missed he last 11 games with a concussion, is on the ice for the Panthers' morning skate taking part in regular work on a line with Drew Shore and Jesse Winchester. It has been a tough season for Huby, but he will look to get something going at the end of the season that he can build off of in 2014-15.

There is no word when Backlund suffered the hand injury, but it will cost him a second consecutive game tonight in New Jersey. Ken Agostino will stay in the lineup with Backlund sidelined.

Huberdeau has not played since March 16th because of a concussion. If he is unable to go against the Stars, look for him to return on Tuesday against the Flyers.

Huberdeau has missed the last nine games and will make it 10 on Friday, but he could suit up vs. the Stars on Sunday. He has taken a step back after a great rookie season last year. In his Calder Trophy winning season, Huberdeau averaged 0.646 points per game and has seen that drop to 0.409 in 2013-14.

Huberdeau played just 5:13 before retiring to the dressing room for the afternoon. He had five assists in his last seven games coming into today's contest. Consider him day-to-day until the Panthers release an injury update.

The Islanders faithful had been waiting on Strome's recall for a long time, but he was unable to light up the scoresheet during his first recall. While centring the third line he had just one goal and three assists in his first 15 NHL games, but now with John Tavares out for the season, the door is open for Strome to earn valuable playing time. He has 49 points (13G / 36A) in 37 games with Bridgeport, so now the Islanders will look for him to take the next step and produce at the NHL level.

Strome has no been the offensive splash he was expected to make, he recorded four points (1G / 3A) in 15 games with the Islanders. This could be a temporary move until Travis Hamonic is ready to return, but regardless Strome won't be in the lineup on Thursday.

Huberdeau has missed the last two games because of a foot injury he suffered on December 13. He was skating on a line with Nick Bjugstad and Scottie Upshall in this morning's skate, which suggests he will be back in the lineup vs. the Senators. Huberdeau has seven goals and eight assists (15 points) in 33 games.

Huberdeau has been a disappointment in his sophomore season with 15 points in 33 games. Look elsewhere until he starts putting up some numbers.

Huberdeau will miss his second straight game with a foot injury. The injury is not believed to be serious so consider him day-to-day. His next chance to return is Thursday in Ottawa.

Huberdeau missed Sunday's game against the Canadiens and is questionable to play tonight in Toronto. Huberdeau has only two goals and two assists in his last 12 games. Expect Krys Barch to stay in the lineup if Huberdeau can't play.

Huberdeau took shot off of the foot on Friday vs the Capitals. If Huberdeau can't go, Jesse Winchester will slide into the lineup.

Strome was recalled earlier in the week but has not got into the lineup. He was the fifth overall pick in 2011 and has tore up the AHL this season. Strome scored 174 points in 111 games in his final two seasons in the OHL and had nine goals and 33 points in 23 games with Bridgeport this season. The Islanders offence is in need of a jump-start, so they are hoping Strome can bring the spark that they need. It appears he will start tonight's game centring the third line with Brock Nelson and Cal Clutterbuck on his wings.

Strome who was officially recalled on Wednesday will not play tonight because the Islanders want him to practice with the team before he makes his NHL debut. Look for him to play on Saturday vs. the Canadiens.

There was some weather trouble for Strome's flight so he will now just meet the Isles in Phoenix tomorrow because the team did not want him to fly all-day today and then play tonight. He has been recalled because he has been torching the AHL and the Islanders have some serious issues when it comes to generating offence. Strome is expected to make his NHL debut on Thursday after posting nine goals and 24 assists in the first 23 games of the AHL season. The Islanders are not recalling Sidney Crosby, but Strome has some serious offensive talent and is worth a look in all leagues, but most of his value lies in keeper leagues at this point.

The Islanders are trying to give the 2011, fifth overall pick more time to develop. He is a good playmaking centre with great hands, but has not completely adapted to the NHL game, but he is close. Strome will certainly be the first forward called up from Bridgeport.