Calgary Flames Recall Markus Granlund For Arizona Trip
The Calgary Flames have added some offensive depth recalling Markus Granlund from the Stockton Heat ahead of their game against the Arizona Coyotes.
It looks like he’ll be headed straight into the starting line-up if Will Nault of Sportsnet 960 The FAN has it right:
Brad Treliving says Markus Granlund will play tomorrow night in Arizona. #Flames
— Will Nault (@will_nault) November 26, 2015
The question to be asked is who will Granlund be replacing for the Calgary Flames?
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The injury struggles of several Calgary Flames personnel have been well documented but aside from Jiri Hudler, there’s no obvious roster member that the Swede would swap in for, at least in terms of coming in due to injury concerns.
Based on their most recent practice lines per the Calgary Flames official website, Granlund will center a third line comprised of himself, Joe Colborne and Jiri Hudler.
The potential for that line to provide some scoring depth is definitely there – Colborne has put up five assists and three goals so far this year, whilst Hudler hasn’t hit last year’s 76 point form but has put up a healthy four goals and nine assists himself.
No matter where he fits into the Calgary Flames line-up against Arizona, he’ll be looking to bring his form with the Stockton Heat to the big league team – Granlund’s points total in his 12 games with the AHL affiliate show consistency if nothing else, with five goals and four assists so far this year.
Calgary Flames head coach, Bob Hartley has passed comment that reflects this stating ‘consistency is a dream word for any coach.’
Unfortunately, the injury woes and poor form from several players has seen Hartley contending with a Calgary Flames side that is anything but consistent on the ice this year.
Granlund isn’t going to offer all of the answers to this, but the hope is he at least can help stabilize the third line, which with his promotion looks to be quite a stable and steady trio of players.
Granlund’s promotion comes at a opportune time for him to pick up the ball and run with it; the hope definitely is that he comes in with confidence and momentum on his side against the Coyotes on Friday.
Next: Calgary Flames Re-Assign Joni Ortio To Heat
What do you think of Granlund’s promotion to the Calgary Flames line-up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.