Michael Ferland Called Up: Mikael Backlund to IR

Sep 25, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Michael Ferland (79) skates with the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Mikael Backlund was held out of all but one of the Calgary Flames preseason games due to an abdominal injury suffered during preseason training.  Backlund was quoted in the Calgary Sun on September 20th saying:

"“I just talked to my agent (Mark MacKay) the other day and he said he had this problem for a full year when he played, and I don’t want to go through that.  It’s important that I stay patient and don’t rush anything so that when I get back to playing, I’m going to be healthy for the rest of the year and it’s not going to bug me. I don’t want that to happen. I want to take my time now instead of have setbacks later in the season.”"

Backlund has been held off the score sheet for the past four games and has had “maintenance” days off of practice scattered the month of October.  Today, the Calgary Flames placed Mikael Backlund on the week-to-week injured reserve list.  Hopefully this time when Backlund returns, he is completely recovered from his abdominal pain.

ENTER MICHAEL FERLAND!!

Click HERE to read the Flame For Thought summer introduction to Mr. Ferland.

To borrow an October 1st line from the Calgary Sun:

"Michael Ferland has had one of the most impressive camp performances this season, according to Flames assistant GM Craig Conroy."

During the “Young Stars Tournament” held in Penticton, BC, Ferland averaged 2 points per game.  Ferland also had a two goal game against the Colorado Avalanche.  All the while playing the game with an edge that surely put a smile on Flames President of Operations Brian Burke.

THE BIG QUESTION:

Ferland is a winger replacing  Backlund who is a center.  With Joe Colborne, at this point, questionable for Friday’s game, that does mean Paul Byron goes back to center for a few games?