Philadelphia Flyers writer Dylan H. Robillard of Olde City Sports Network is reporting that the Flyers have recalled forward Olle Lycksell from their AHL affiliate the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and placed forward Noah Cates on the Injured Reserve. Cates was already ruled out of action a week ago after suffering a lower-body injury and was placed on the IR as a corresponding move to allow the Flyers to bring Lycksell up to the NHL.
Lycksell had an eight-game audition with the Flyers last season, tallying one assist while going -3. His underlying numbers in the NHL were particularly bad but he was solid in 53 AHL games posting 14 goals and 31 assists.
The 24-year-old was on the bubble to make the team this year coming out of training camp after a strong rookie camp, but ultimately fell short and was assigned to Lehigh Valley. Since the assignment to the AHL, the former sixth-round pick has been nearly a point-a-game player this season with 12 goals and seven assists in 21 games.
Lycksell likely won’t offer the same two-way skillset as Cates but could have an opportunity to show if he belongs in the NHL. Cates struggled offensively to start the season with just a goal and three assists in 21 games.
The Flyers are coming off a home-and-away sweep of the Pittsburgh Penguins and have surprised just about everyone with their start to the season. They currently sit in third place in the Metropolitan Division with a record of 13-10-2.