Flames swap possible pressbox fodder: David Wolf sent down, Markus Granlund recalled

It has been 10 days since David Wolf actually got to play a hockey game. The rookie German forward, who has a grand total of 15:03 over two games this NHL season, has been reassigned to the Adirondack Flames. The Calgary Flames weren’t playing him, and so, he’s back to the AHL, where the kids have a couple of games coming up.

But that would leave them at 13 forwards, and with Paul Byron apparently having a mysterious ailment, no extras. And so, for the fourth time this season, the Calgary Flames have recalled frequent flyer Markus Granlund.

While Wolf has only played two NHL games this season, Granlund has been honoured with 33. With extended injuries to every centre not named Sean Monahan early in the season, Granlund has ended up being the Flames’ most-played prospect. His most recent NHL game came a month ago: a Jan. 19 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings, in which he played 13:33 and was held pointless.

Granlund was last recalled on Feb. 3. That lasted all of two days, as he was healthy scratched for a game alongside Sven Baertschi before being sent right back down on Feb. 5. It was weird, which is why his being recalled now may mean two things:

These would go together particularly if the Flames aren’t comfortable having Brandon Bollig in their lineup for however long Byron may be out (and they shouldn’t be). Wolf is still a rookie when it comes to the North American game, so if the Flames’ intention is to actually play a prospect, it’s probable the organization is simply more confident in Granlund’s abilities.

Of course, this is the Flames, so who knows their intentions, really?

Granlund has two goals, two assists, and 13 shots on net over the four AHL games he's played since his last recall. He has six goals and 12 points over the 14 AHL games he has played this season.

With five goals and 13 points over 33 games, he's the highest-scoring Flames prospect in the NHL this season.

UPDATE: And Granlund's recall will not be wasted (yet?)!

Hartley also says Granlund will most likely play tomorrow. #Flames

— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) February 19, 2015

by Ari Yanover