That didn’t take long. The Columbus Blue Jackets have recalled Gabriel Carlsson after just three games with their AHL squad. The big, mobile defenseman came over from the Swedish Hockey League last week, where he had played the last two seasons. Whether this is just a reward for a good season, or the team is planning on using him in the playoffs is still uncertain.
As we wrote last week, Carlsson has all the makings of an excellent shutdown defender that can fit in nicely with Columbus’ young core. The former first-round pick has developed nicely since the Blue Jackets used the 29th overall pick on him in 2015, and should be pushing for a full-time job as soon as next season. With at least four defensemen under control long term already, Carlsson could be eased in on the bottom pair and sheltered slightly as he gets used to the North American game.
- The Blue Jackets have also assigned Vitaly Abramov to the AHL after his Gatineau club was eliminated from the QMJHL playoffs. Abramov recently won the league’s MVP award and has dominated it offensively since the moment he stepped onto the ice for the Olympiques. With 104 points in 66 games, he showed again why the Blue Jackets regard him so highly after stealing him in the third round last summer. He’ll get a taste of the AHL before heading back to the Q to dominate one more time.
- Philadelphia has sent Anthony Stolarz back to the AHL for the moment, though he may be back up as soon as tomorrow. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms play tonight, and will likely have Stolarz in net before coming back to the Flyers to back up Steve Mason tomorrow night. While Michal Neuvirth is considered day-to-day, it would be surprising to see him on the bench so soon after his scary collapse in the net.
- As reported yesterday, the Buffalo Sabres have officially moved Brendan Guhle to the Rochester Americans where he’ll get a taste of the AHL at the end of the year. Guhle of course has already spent time in the NHL, playing three games for the Sabres before heading back to junior this year. The 19-year old defenseman is a prized possession for a Sabres team that needs more capable young defenders. His development this year has been a silver lining in an otherwise stormy season for the Sabres and their fans.