Giovanni Fiore has been recalled by the Anaheim Ducks and is expected to suit up in his first NHL game tonight. If you haven’t heard the name much before, that’s because Fiore is an undrafted CHL free agent who was signed just a few months ago. After dominating the QMJHL last season as an overaged player, he’ll jump right to the NHL to try and help the wounded Ducks win on home ice.
Fiore impressed everyone that watched him in the preaseason, and will get his chance to show off his skills once again tonight. The 21-year old forward scored 52 goals for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles last year, a huge jump from his previous high of 28. Some of that has to do with being older than most of the players in the junior ranks, but a lot more has to do with his tenacity on the puck and powerplay skill.
The Ducks, who are missing several key players already, were also short Ryan Getzlaf at this morning’s skate according to Eric Stephens of the Orange County Register. Getzlaf has been dealing with a lower-body injury and has been in and out of practice this week. Already without Ryan Kesler and Patrick Eaves up front, it will be a thin group that tries to start the season off on the right foot.