The NHL is about to play regular season games in Europe for the first time in many years, as the Ottawa Senators and Colorado Avalanche are set to duel tomorrow night in Stockholm. As they entertain Sweden, the rest of the league is tightening up to continue their respective playoff runs. As always, we’ll keep track of the minor moves right here.
- The Florida Panthers have recalled Dryden Hunt from the AHL, the first such transaction of his career. The 21-year old Hunt was an undrafted free agent, who scored 58 goals and 116 points in his final year of junior hockey. The Panthers signed him to an entry-level contract in the spring of 2016.
- Roland McKeown has been assigned to the AHL by the Carolina Hurricanes, ending his short stint with the team. McKeown made his NHL debut just a few nights ago, and in his second game impressively recorded two assists. Those points came in fewer than ten minutes, as the Hurricanes limited his playing time considerably and heaped the minutes onto Jaccob Slavin and Justin Faulk. McKeown might not be quite ready for the NHL, but it won’t be long before the 21-year old is holding down a full-time role in the league.
- The Hurricanes have also activated Lee Stempniak from injured reserve, only to send him to the AHL on a conditioning stint. Stempniak hasn’t played yet this season due to an upper-body injury, but is an important part of their offense. Despite his age (Stempniak will turn 35 in February) he still seemed as effective as ever last year scoring 40 points, most of which came at even strength.
- With Nathan Beaulieu and Josh Gorges expected to return soon, the Buffalo Sabres have sent Zach Redmond back to the AHL. Redmond was acquired earlier this season from Montreal as a depth piece, and they’ve already needed him for three games. Since Rasmus Ristolainen has been downgraded to week-to-week, it’s possible you’ll see Redmond right back up if the Sabres experience another injury on the back end.
- Austin Czarnik is on his way back to the AHL after his latest call-up with the Boston Bruins. The 24-year old will be assigned to the Providence Bruins on paper, but could be on his way back up if Brad Marchand isn’t able to go this weekend. Both Marchand and Noel Acciari are game-time decisions for the team tomorrow night, but the former isn’t actually with the team yet in Toronto.