In a move that’s likely a precursor to another move a little ways down the line, the Calgary Flames made a roster adjustment on Sunday afternoon. The club announced that they’ve re-assigned forward Brennan Othmann back to the American Hockey League’s Calgary Wranglers.
So why sent Othmann back to the AHL rather than hold onto him for further evaluation? The simple answer is “the CBA.” Under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement with the players, team are limited to five regular call-ups after the trade deadline, with only four players allowed up on the roster at a time on regular call-ups. (Teams get unlimited emergency recalls, as they’re needed to meet lineup requirements for games.)
Othmann was one of four Flames players on the roster that were up on regular call-ups. The other three are, in no particular order:
Blueliner Hunter Brzustewicz, who has four assists (and a plus-2 rating) in 10 games. He’s been playing mostly on the second pairing, usually with Olli Maatta, and working on the second power play unit.Forward Matvei Gridin, who has three goals and 10 points (and a plus-1 rating) in 14 games. He’s been playing regularly as a winger in the top two forward lines and working on the top power play unit.Forward Aydar Suniev, just called up but in the midst of a really impressive first pro season with the Wranglers. He hasn’t played any NHL games yet on this call-up.
All due respect to Othmann: Brzustewicz and Gridin are basically regulars these days and Suniev is someone they really want to get a look-see at. And if you’re hoping to see any other Wranglers get a cup of coffee with the Flames over the last six games, Othmann is simply the easiest guy to send down.
The Flames’ active roster is now 26 players: two goaltenders, eight defencemen and 16 forwards.
They continue their road trip on Tuesday night in Dallas.
Sponsored by bet365: