Taxi Squad Shuffle: 01/26/21

It appears as though there will be daily movement this season between the active roster and taxi squad. Although some major names may be highlighted in separate articles, this is where you’ll find the majority of shuffle news each day.

• Following the news that Evan Rodrigues is out “longer-term,” the Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled Drew O’Connor from the taxi squad today. The forward will make his NHL debut this evening against the Boston Bruins after signing an entry-level contract last March. O’Connor, 22, was an undrafted college free agent signing after he scored 33 points in 31 games for Dartmouth last season. In seven games for Manglerud of the Norweigian league earlier this season, he recorded ten points.
• The Washington Capitals have called up Michael Sgarbossa from the AHL to the taxi squad, giving them another experienced hand as they continue to navigate a COVID-stricken roster card. Sgarbossa has 50 games of NHL experience but has played eight years of professional hockey and could step into the lineup if necessary. Later in the day, Sgarbossa was elevated again, this time to the NHL roster along with Daniel Carr. Connor McMichael and Brian Pinho have been sent to the taxi squad.
• Dylan Cozens has been recalled from the Buffalo Sabres taxi squad, with Casey Mittelstadt replacing him there. Remember that if Cozens plays in two more games this season, his entry-level contract will officially kick in for the 2020-21 season, making him an RFA in 2023. Should he play just one more game and spend the rest of the year in the minor leagues or junior, the contract would slide a year forward again.
• The Columbus Blue Jackets have sent Nathan Gerbe back to the taxi squad, meaning Stefan Matteau is on his way back to the AHL. Gerbe has played in just one game so far this season, but did manage to record a point. He’ll remain a strong depth option for the team throughout the year.
• The St. Louis Blues have recalled Jacob de La Rose from the taxi squad, while recalling Scott Perunovich from the AHL. The Blues will take on the Vegas Golden Knights later tonight. Perunovich, who had previously been rehabbing an injury, could be ready to go after taking the optional skate this morning with St. Louis.
• Jordan Gross is going back into the Arizona Coyotes lineup, recalled from the taxi squad today. That means Victor Soderstrom is back out, moved back to the taxi squad as he continues his development. Soderstrom played two games for the Coyotes but is still looking for his first NHL point.
• The Winnipeg Jets could make a lineup change this evening, after recalling Kristian Vesalainen from the taxi squad. The Jets will take on the Edmonton Oilers in a rematch of Sunday’s loss. Winnipeg is currently sitting in third place in the North Division, two points back of the tied leaders.
• Taro Hirose and Givani Smith have both been recalled from the Detroit Red Wings taxi squad, giving them another few options as they continue to deal with a COVID-19 situation. As of yesterday, the team had five players on the CPRA list, including four forwards.
• The Philadelphia Flyers have recalled Connor Bunnaman and Samuel Morin from the taxi squad, while also activating Shayne Gostisbehere. The veteran defenseman is expected to make his season debut after spending the last stuck in the COVID protocol. Gostisbehere recorded just 12 points last season, far from his career pace and a significant disappointment. With the Flyers struggling to find the right mix of defensemen though, he’ll be welcomed back with open arms.
• After Tyler Ennis cleared waivers earlier today, the Edmonton Oilers have moved him and Devin Shore to the taxi squad. Forwards Juhar Khaira and Patrick Russell have been recalled, giving the group a different look in the bottom-six.
• The Nashville Predators have recalled Mathieu Olivier back from the taxi squad, reversing the move they made three days ago.  As a waiver-exempt forward, Olivier, who has played in three games for the Preds this season, will likely continue to be shuffled back and forth throughout the season.