Mikael Backlund (abdominal surgery) skated on his own prior to Thursday's practice, Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald reports.

Backlund (abdominal surgery) skated on his own prior to Thursday's practice, Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald reports.

Analysis:

Backlund's recovery from surgery seems to be trending positively, but because he's missed over a month and a half, he might need to head out on a conditioning assignment in the minors. That won't happen until he resumes practicing with the team, though there's no telling when that might occur.