"The Calgary Flames captain hasn't skated since the first day of on-ice workouts at training camp, and the team is treating his back spasms very cautiously to ensure he's ready to go when the games start to count in the standings.

"He's still not skating," head coach Brent Sutter said Tuesday after the morning practice ahead of an exhibition outing against the New York Islanders.

"But we'll see how the next few days go."

GM Jay Feaster suggested this week Iginla could lace up again as early as Wednesday's practice, but don't expect the 34-year-old star to suit up before the Oct. 8 season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Saddledome."