Mikael Backlund is still struggling with an abdominal strain, but coach Bob Hartley is aiming for him to play in the season opener, Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald reports.

Backlund is still struggling with an abdominal strain, but coach Bob Hartley is aiming for him to play in the season opener, Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald reports.

Analysis:

Backlund is a top-two center for Calgary, so the Flames would like to get him in the lineup to start the season on the right foot. Backlund is coming off a career-high 39-point campaign.