Backlund Recalled

After being assigned to the Abbotsford Heat on Sunday morning, the Calgary Flames have recalled forward Mikael Backlund; he’ll join the team in Vancouver ahead of their game against the Canucks tomorrow night.  Backlund played one game with the Heat, going pointless as the team was shutout 4-0 by Manitoba.

The original plan was to have Backlund play four home games in Abbotsford, but a disappointing 5-2 loss to the Islanders last night changed the thinking of the team.  Head Coach Brent Sutter says he wants to play Backlund against Vancouver tomorrow.

I’ve been against the sitting of Backlund since the very beginning, from both a hockey and development standpoint.  He’s played one game (in the AHL) over the last 16 days, which is ridiculous for a 21 year old forward who you have future hopes for.  It’s even more ridiculous when it’s blatantly clear that he’s given you more on a regular basis over the last two months than Matt Stajan, Curtis Glencross, Niklas Hagman and Ales Kotalik.

His game against Minnesota on December 18th wasn’t good, but I believe it sent a horrible message for one bad game to yield six games in the press box.  I’m hoping to see him back against the Canucks tomorrow.