Flames activate Backlund from injured reserve, Baertschi sent to AHL

CALGARY - Mikael Backlund was activated from the Calgary Flames' injured reserve on Saturday and Sven Baertschi was sent to the minors to make room for the returning veteran.

Backlund was out over four weeks with a grade 2 medial collateral ligament sprain suffered on Feb. 7 against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The 23-year-old has three goals, an assist and a minus-1 rating in eight games with the Flames.

Baertschi started the 2012-13 season with the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Heat, playing 21 games, with six goals and 12 assists. He joined the Flames for the start of the NHL season but suffered a hip flexor injury that forced him to miss 11 games.

The 20-year-old has an assist and a minus-2 rating in 10 NHL games.

Baertschi was Calgary's first round selection, 13th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.