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Report: Flames’ Backlund could be out at least a month

Dallas Stars v Calgary Flames

CALGARY,CANADA - FEBRUARY 16: Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames skates against the Dallas Stars during their NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome, February 16,2011 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.(Photo By Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

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TSN’s Bob McKenzie is reporting via Twitter that Flames center Mikael Backlund could be out at least a month with a shoulder injury. The “official word” will come today.

Backlund was hurt Saturday against the Canucks in an altercation with big defenseman Andrew Alberts. (Note to Backlund: don’t mix it up with guys like Alberts.)

The news is especially bad timing for Calgary. Not only are the Flames in a desperate race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, they recently traded veteran center Brendan Morrison to Chicago after Backlund, 22, had established himself as the team’s second-line center.

We suppose Matt Stajan will fill Backlund’s role if the official word confirms McKenzie’s tweet. And we suppose Flames fans aren’t thrilled with that.

Update: Backlund will miss 4-6 weeks and Mike Cammalleri will move to center.