The Calgary Flames have had a much-needed rest of three whole days between Monday night’s 6-4 win against the Anaheim Ducks and the Boston Bruins arriving in town for a Friday night game.
In this post, I want to take some time to keep Flames’ fans up-to-date on player moves and injury reports.
Related: Calgary Flames News & Rumors: Rittich, Tkachuk, Stone & Gaudreau
Player Movement
Item One: Glenn Gawdin Won’t Make His NHL Debut – Yet
A lot of Flames fans have been interested in seeing Glenn Gawdin’s NHL debut because he’s been so strong in the AHL; however, that won’t happen just yet. The 22-year-old prospect has been reassigned to the Flames’ AHL affiliate in Stockton.
Gawdin was called up Monday, however he didn’t make his first NHL start. His development in the AHL has been promising, and he’s scored 42 points (15 goals, 27 assists) in 46 games this season. Unless there’s an injury, Gawdin likely won’t get an NHL start this season with the Flames. But, he’s an up-and-comer and he certainly will get a look-see in next season’s training camp.
Injury Reports
The Flames have suffered two injuries to defensemen. However, the good news is that one is getting ready to return; but, the bad news is that one will likely need more time. However, both should return this season. Here are the specifics.
Item One: Travis Hamonic Isn’t Ready to Return Quite Yet
Travis Hamonic, who hasn’t played in a game since February 8 (he has an undisclosed upper-body injury) still isn’t ready to return to action and might not be for quite a while. The best word we have is that he’s considered week-to-week. Although the Flames expect him to return to action prior to the end of the regular season, there’s no exact timetable for that return.
Item Two: Mark Giordano Has Started Skating Again
Mark Giordano, who has been out with a hamstring injury, returned to the ice on Tuesday for practice. However, although there’s no timeline for his return, he looks to be getting closer to a return than Hamonic.
Related: Not-so Sure Flames Actually Dodged a Bullet With Giordano Injury News
It’s good news for the Flames that Giordano is likely to travel with the Flames as the team begins a five-game, nine-day road trip on Saturday. Flames general manager Brad Treliving must believe there’s a good chance Giordano will play at some point during that stretch. Giordano hasn’t played since February 4 because of his injury.
Right now, Giordano is skating on his own. The next step is that he will begin to practice with the team probably wearing a non-contact jersey. Then, when he’s deemed ready, it’s game action.
The Flames have struggled without the two stalwart defensemen in their lineup. The team has now given up three or more goals in five straight games. Until both Hamonic and Giordano return, Michael Stone and Noah Hanifin will stay in the top four.
