The Calgary Flames announced Wednesday that they have signed centre Mikael Backlund to a two-year contract worth $1.5 million a season. "Mikael really stepped-up last season and took advantage of the change in direction under a new coaching staff," said Flames General Manager Jay Feaster in a statement. "He came into camp in very good shape and also had regained his confidence. He parlayed that into a strong season, and if it wasnt for his injury we believe he would have progressed even further in his development. We need Mikael to be one of our go-to players this year, and we are excited about watching him continue to evolve and take that step to the next level as a player." Backlund played 32 games with the Flames last season netting eight goals and eight assists for 16 points along with 29 penalty minutes. He was the Flames first round draft pick in the 2007 NHL Draft. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Josh-Doctson-Jersey/ .com) - Christian Ponder will get another chance to prove himself for the Minnesota Vikings, with head coach Leslie Frazier announcing Wednesday that the struggling quarterback will start this weekends game against the Green Bay Packers. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Customized/ . A big centre with all the tools to be an elite player, Johansen paced the Blue Jackets with a standout game Saturday night. He had a goal and two assists for a career-high three points as Columbus beat the New York Islanders 5-2 to snap a five-game losing streak. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Terrell-Mcclain-Jersey/ . -- If Henry Burris has his way, he will be the starting quarterback to lead the Hamilton Tiger-Cats back to the Grey Cup next year. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/T-Shirts/ . The Cincinnati Reds remain perfect with their speedy rookie outfielder in the starting lineup. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redskins-Jordan-Reed-Jersey/ . -- There were a lot of firsts for the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. TORONTO -- Thoracic outlet syndrome has been ruled out for Detroit Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, who is currently on the 15-day disabled list with a right neck strain.The 30-year-old pitcher rejoined the team in Toronto after spending time with Dr. Robert Thompson, a vascular surgeon in St. Louis, while undergoing tests and treatment. Zimmermann said that the tests ruled out any nerve damage or vascular issues.Im just glad its not thoracic outlet syndrome, I guess, Zimmermann said before the Tigers game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday.Zimmermann sounded relieved, and for good reason considering the rash of other pitchers to suffer with the issue recently. Most notably, Mets pitcher Matt Harvey recently informed the team he was electing to undergo season-ending surgery for TOS. Within the Tigers organization, Drew VerHagen was diagnosedd with the syndrome, though he is currently going through a throwing program that will hopefully allow him to avoid the surgical route.ddddddddddddZimmermann, who is 9-4 with a 3.95 ERA this season for the Tigers, said he will not pick up a ball for another three to four days. Because it has been almost a week since he has thrown last, Zimmermann said he imagines it could take some time for him to build his arm strength back up, but he does not anticipate a lengthy absence from the mound.Its hard to put a timeline on it, but hopefully Ill be back sooner than later, he said.The Tigers are currently without two of the five starters in their rotation; Daniel Norris is also on the disabled list with a right oblique injury. Discount NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Black NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL T-shirts Wholesale NFL Autographed Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Online NFL Jerseys From China Nike NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL T-shirts Wholesale NFL Camo Jerseys Jerseys From China China Womens NFL Jerseys China Jerseys Cheap Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping ' ' '